
GROUP OF ESKIMO MEN AND BOYS, TOGIAK RIVER, 

ALASKA. 




HELIOTYPE PRINTING CO. BOSTON 



GROUP OF ESKIMO GIRLS, TOGIAK RIVER, ALASKA. 

Photoffraphed by Messrs. Hartmann it Weinland . 



REPORT 



ON 



EDUCATION m ALASKA, 



MAPS AND ILLUSTRATIONS, 



SHELDON JACKSON, 

GENERAL AGENT OF EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 



18 8 6. 



WASHINGTON: 

GOVEENMENT PRINTING OFFICE. 

1886. 
7018 AL 



V 







'^ 



LETTER 



THE SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR, 

TRANSMITTING, 

In response to Senate resolution, February 15, report of Sheldon Jackson 
on education in Alaska. 



March 4, 188G. — Referred to the Committee on Territories and ordered to be printed. 



Department of the Interior, 

Washington, March 3, 1886. 

Sir : In response to Senate resolution of the 15th ultimo, I have the 
honor to transmit herewith the report of Sheldon Jackson on education 
in Alaska. 

Very respectfully, 

L. Q. C. LAMAR, 

Secretary. 
The President pro tempore of the Senate. 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 



Office of General Agent of Education in Alaska, 

Sitka, Alaska, February 1, 1886. 

Sir : In submitting my preliminary report as general agent of edu- 
cation in Alaska, I propose to take a brief survey of the country, its^ 
extent, physical characteristics, climate, and people. In no other way 
can a just estimate be formed of the peculiar difficulties under which 
the school work in Alaska must be conducted. In no other way can 
we be impressed with the peculiar needs of the field to which our sys- 
tem must be adapted in order to secure the highest success. 

Section 13 of the organic act providing a civil government for Alaska 
declares (see Appendix B) — 

That the Secretary of the Interior shall make needful and proper provision for the 
education of the children of school age in the Territory of Alaska, without reference 
to race, until such time as permanent provision shall be made for the same, and the 
sum of $25,000, or so much thereof as may be necessary, is hereby appropriated for 
this purpose. 

This contemplates the establishment in Alaska of the public-school 
system of the States. 

To inaugurate such a system in Dakota or Montana with the assistance 
of railways and stage lines is one thing ; to do the same thing in Alaska, 
with its vast area, not only without public conveyances, except a 
monthly steamer in the southeastern corner, but without roads and 
largely without any means of transportation save the uncomfortable log 
canoes and skin bidarkas of the natives, is another and quite different 
thing. And yet the establishment of schools in Alaska will require tens 
of thousands of miles of travel — a fact which becomes obvious on a care- 
ful survej' of the field. 

AREA. 

Very few even of the more intelligent portion of American citizens 
comprehend its extent and physical characteristics. 

To say that Alaska contains 580,107 square miles gives no adequate 
conception of its great size. That impression is better secured by a 
series of relative comparisons. 

For instance, from extreme north to south is 1,400 miles in an air line, 
or as far as from Maine to Florida ; and from its eastern boundary to 
the end of the Aleutian Islands is 2,200 miles in an air line, or as far as 
from Washington to California. 

The island of Attu, at the end of the Aleutian chain, is as far west 
of San Francisco as Maine is east ; so that between the extreme eastern 
and western sections of the United States San Francisco is the great 
central city. 

5 



6 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

Or take another basis of comparison : Alaska is as large as all the 
New England and Middle States, together with Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, 
Wisconsin, Michigan, Kentucky, and Tennessee combined, or as large 
as all the United States east of the Mississii)pi River and north Of 
Georgia and the Carolinas, or nearly one sixth of the entire area of the 
United States. It has a coast line of 18,211 miles, or nearly twice as 
many as the Atlantic and Pacific coast lines of the ren)aining portion 
of the United States. Commencing at the north shore of Dixon Inlet, 
in latitude 54° 40', the coast sweeps in a long regular curve north and 
west to the entrance of Prince William Sound, a distance of 550 miles, 
thence 725 miles south and west to Unimak Pass, at the end of the 
Aliaska Peninsula. From this pass the Aleutian chain of islands sweeps 
1,075 miles in a long curve almost to Asia, the dividing line between 
Russia and the United States being the meridian of 193*^ west longitude. 
North of Unimak Pass the coast forms a zigzag line to Point Barrow, 
on the Arctic Ocean, and thence south of east to the boundary. 

ISLANDS. 

Alaska is a great island region, having off its southeastern coast a 
large archipelago. The 732 miles of latitude from Puget Sound to the 
head of Lynn Canal contain a remarkable stretch of inland ocean navi- 
gation, noted for its bold shores, deep water, numerous channels, in- 
numerable bays and harbors, abundance of fuel and fresh water, and 
shelter from the swells of the ocean. 

The southern portion of this great archipelago is in Washington Ter- 
ritory, the central portion in British Columbia, and the northern por- 
tion in Alaska. The portion in Alaska has been named the Alexander 
Archipelago. It is about 300 miles north and south and 80 miles wide, 
and is variously estimated to contain from 1,000 to 5,000 separate islands, 
1,100 of which have been marked on the charts. The aggregate area 
of these islands is 14,142 square miles. 

Six hundred miles to the westward is the Kadiak group, aggregating 
an area of 5,676 miles ; then the Shumagin group, containing 1,031 
square miles ; and the Aleutian chain, with an area of 6,391 square 
miles. To the northward is the Pribiloff" group (Seal Islands), contain- 
ing, with the other islands in Bering Sea, 3,963 square miles. 

The total area of the islands of Alaska is 31,205 square miles, which 
would make a State as large as the great State of Maine. 

MOUNTAINS AND VOLCANOES. 

Alaska is the region of the highest mountain peaks in the United 
States. The Coast Range of California and the Rockj' Mountain Range 
of Colorado and Montana iinite to form the Alaskan Mountains. This 
range, instead of continuing northward to the Arctic Ocean, as the old 
atlases represent, turns to the southward, at the upper Ramparts of 
the Yukon, extends through and forms the Aliaska Peninsula, and 
then gradually sinks into the Pacific Ocean, leaving only the highest 
peaks visible above the water. These peaks form the Aleutian chain 
of islands. The islands decrease in size, height, and frequency, as the 
mountain range sinks lower into the ocean. Unimak, the most eastern 
of the chain, has that magnificent volcano Shishaldin, 9,000 feet high ; 
then Unalashka, 5,691 feet; next Atka, 4,.S52 feet; then Kyska, 3,700 
feet; and Attu, the most western of the group, only 3,084 feet high. 

In the Aliaskan Range are the highest peaks in the United States : 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 7 

Mount Saint Elias, 19,500 feet high; Mount (3ook, 16,000 feet; Mount 
€rillon, 15,900 ; Mount Fairweather, 15,500 ; and numerous others. In 
addition to the Aliasl<an Kange are the Shaktolik and Uhikuk Hills, 
near Norton Sound; the Yukon and Roiuantzofi^Hills, north of the 
Yukon Eiver; the Kaiyuh and Nowikakat Mountains, east and south of 
the river, and a low range of hilLs bordering the Arctic coast. 

Alaska contains the great volcanic system of the United States. 
Grewingk enumerates 61 volcanoes, mainly on the Aliaskan Peninsula 
and Aleutian Islands, that have been active since the settlement by 
Europeans. 

GLACIERS. 

It is the great glacial region. From Bute Inlet to Unimak Pass 
nearly every deep gulch has its glacier, some of which are vastly greater 
and grander than any glacier of the Alps. 

On Lynn Canal is a glacier computed to be 1,200 feet thick at the 
"snout "or lower projection. In one of the gulches of Mount Fair- 
weather is a glacier that extends 50 miles to the sea, where it ends ab- 
ruptly in a perpendicular ice wall 300 feet high and 8 miles broad. 
Thirty-five miles above Wrangell, on the Stikine Eiver, between two 
mountains o,000 feet high, is an immense glacier 40 miles long and at 
the base 4 to 5 miles across, and variously estimated from 500 to 1,000 
feet high or deep. On Glacier Bay, Muir Glacier presents a wall of ice 
500 feet in thickness, with a varying breadth of from 3 to 10 miles, and 
an estimated length of 40 miles. Great blocks containing hundreds of 
tons of ice are constantly breaking off and falling into the sea. 

SPRINGS. 

Alaska abounds in hot and mineral springs. The large ones, a few 
miles south of Sitka, have long been noted for their curative qualities. 
In 1860 the Russian -American Company erected at them a hospital, 
which was much patronized. The buildings have, since the American 
occupation, been destroyed. Dall reports springs on Perenosna Bay, on 
Amagat Island, and Port Moller. On Unimak Island is a lake of sul- 
phur. Near the volcano Pogrumnoi are hot marshes. Boiling springs 
are found on the islands Akhun, Atka, Unimak, Adakh, Sitignak, and 
Kanaga. These latter have for ages been used by the natives for cook- 
ing food. In the crater of Goreloi is a vast boiling, steaming mineral 
spring 18 miles in circumference. A lake strongly impregnated with 
niter is found on Beaver Island. The thermal springs on the island of 
Unalashka hold sulphur in solution. 

AURORA BOREALIS. 
The Territory is famous for its beautiful auroral displays. 

RIVERS. 

Alaska contains one of the largest rivers in the United States. The 
river Yukon is 70 miles wide across its five mouths and intervening 
deltas. At some points along its lower course one bank cannot be seen 
from the other. For the first 1,000 miles it is from 1 to 5 miles wide, 
and in some places, including islands, it is 20 miles from main bank to 
main bank. Navigable for 2,000 miles, it is computed to be from 2,000 



8 • EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

to 3,000 miles long.* During 1883 Lieat. F. Scliwatka, crossing from 
Lynn Canal in Southeastern Alaska to the headwaters of the Yukon 
River, made a raft voyage of exploration down the stream. 

The other principal rivers of the Territory are the Stikine, 250 miles 
long ; the Ohilkat ; the Copper (explored in 1885 by Lieutenant Allen) ; 
the Nushagak, a large, shallow stream 150 miles long; the Kuskokwim, 
between 500 and 000 miles long; the Tananah, 2 miles wide at its junc- 
tion with the Yukon ; the Porcupine; the Nowikakat, 112 miles; and 
the Koyoukuk. The last four are tributaries of the Yukon. 

Then we tind the Nuuatok emptying into Hotham Inlet, Kotzebue 
Sound. During 1885 Engineer McLenegan, of the Revenue Marine 
steamship Corwin, ascended this river in a canoe 400 miles and found 
it flowing through grand scenery, some of the canons being for miles 
through ijrecipitous rocks 1,000 feet high ; the Koowak, or Putnam River, 
also flowing to Hotham Inlet. This stream was first visited by Lieut. 
George M. Stoney in 1883. In 1884 he ascended the river over 400 
miles ; the Colville, for a long time supposed to be the outlet of the 
Yukon; and the Meade, explored by Lieut. P. H. Ray in the spring of 
1883. 

The latter two rivers discharge into the Arctic Ocean. 

CLIMATE. 

In a country as extended as Alaska, with its large rolling plains, 
wide valleys, and high mountains, there is necessarily a wide diversity 
of olimate. In a general way it may be said that inland Alaska has an 
Arctic winter and a tropical summer. At Fort Yukon the thermometer 
often rises above 100° in summer, and indicates from 50° to 70° below 
zero in winter. At i^ulato, on the Yukon River, the fall of snow during 
the winter averages 8 feet and frequently reaches 12 feet. Along the 
immense southern coast and islands the climate is moist and warm. 

The greatest cold recorded on the island of Unalashka, by a Greek 
priest, during a period of five years, was zero of Fahrenheit ; extremest 
heat for the same time was 77°. The average for five years, at 7 a. m., 
was 37°; 1 p. m., 40°; and 9 p. m., 36°. The average of weather for 
seven years was 53 all clear days, 1,263 half clear, and 1,235 all cloudy. 
It is very much the climate of Northwestern Scotland. 

At Saint Paul Harbor, Kadiak Island, the mean annual summer tem- 
perature is 54° and winter 29° ; the coldest month, February, with the 
thermometer at 27° ; and the warmest, July and August, with a mean 
temperature of 57°, the extremes being 6° and 75°. The climate is 
that of Southern Sweden and Korway. The annual rainfall is about 73 
inches. 

At Sitka, where, with the exception of a few short gaps, a record of 
the thermometer has been kept for forty-five years, it has been found 
that the mean spring temperature was 41.2°; summer, 54.6°; autumn, 
44.9°; winter, 32.5° ; and for the entire year, 43.3°. 

• Mr. Robert Campbell, for many years a factor of the Hudson Bay Fur Company, 
in a letter to Hon. M. C. Butler, United States Senate, represents the Yukon and its 
tributary Pelly as navigable at certain seasons nearly 3,000 miles. Mr. Campbell 
says: "In the spring of 1840, I crossed the mountains and came on the headwaters 
of a magnificent stream, which I named the Pelly River. In 1850 I received per- 
mission to explore the Pelly down to its mouth, in due time reaching Fort Yukon, 
setting the question at rest that the Pelly and Yukon were one and the same river. 
Three kinds of salmon ascend the river as far as Pelly Banks, which is about 3,000 miles 
fi-om the sea-coast. When in full freshet flow in summer, steamers could ascend to 
within 30 miles of Pellv Banks." 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 9 

The greatest degree of heat recorded iu these forty-five years was 
87.8°, and of cold 4° below zero. The thermometer has recorded below 
zero during only four of the forty-five years, and above 80° during only 
seven of those years. The mean annual temperature for forty- five years 
has ranged from 41.3° to 46.8°, a difference of but 5.5°. The annual 
rainfall was 81 inches. During a period of forty- three years there has 
been an average of 200 rainy or snowy days a year, the most favorable 
year being 1883, with 82 rainy and 32 snowy days, and the most un- 
favorable 1856, with 258 rainy and 27 snowy days. 

From these facts, taken from the Alaska Coast Pilot, Appendix'l, 
Meteorology, A. D. 1880, the surprising fact is brought to light that the 
winter climate of Southeastern Alaska for forty-five years past has been 
the average winter climate of Kentucky and West Virginia, and the 
average summer climate of Minnesota. During the past year, closing 
August 31, 1885, at Sitka, the signal officer reports that there were 
"94 clear days, 95 fair, 206 cloudy, and 220 rainy or melting snow." 
Coldest day December 1, 1884, at 14.6°, and warmest day May 6, 1885, 
at 79.5°. 

This mild climate of Southern Alaska is due to the warm Japan cur- 
rent of the Pacific, the Kuro-Siwo, which first strikes the American con- 
tinent at the Queen Charlotte Islands, in latitude 59 north. Here the 
stream divides, one portion going northward and westward along the 
coast of Alaska, and the other southward along the coast of British 
Columbia, Washington, Oregon, and California, giving them their mild 
winter climate. 

The former stream flowing northward has been named the "Alaska 
current," and gives the great southern coast of Alaska a winter climate 
as mild as that of one-third of the United States. 

The physical configuration of Alaska naturally divides it into three 
districts: the Yukon, extending from the Aliaskan range of mountains 
to the Arctic Ocean ; the Aleutian, embracing the Aliaska Peninsula 
west of the one hundred and fifty-fifth degree of longitude and the 
Aleutian Islands; and the Sitkan, including Southeastern Alaska. 

Concerning the Yukon district but little is known except of the coast 
and along the Y^ukon Eiver. 

The Coast Pilot, a publication of the United States Coast and Geo- 
detic Survey, represents the country between Norton Sound and the 
Arctic Ocean as a " vast moorland, whose level is only interrupted by 
promontories and isolated mountains, with numerous lakes, bogs, and 
peat beds. Wherever drainage exists, the ground is covered with a 
luxuriant herbage and produces the rarest as well as the most beauti- 
ful plants. The aspect of some of these spots is very gay. Many 
flowers are large, their colors bright, and though white and yellow pre- 
dominate, other tints are not uncommon. Summer sets iu most rapidly 
in May, and the landscape is quickly overspread with a lively green." 

The extreme heat and constant sunshine cause it to produce rank 
vegetation. The commeicial value of this section is mainly in its furs. 
During the past three seasons small parties of prospectors have pene- 
trated into that region in search of gold. 

The Aleutian district is largely mountainous and of volcanic forma- 
tion. Between the mountains and the sea are, howex'^r, many natural 
prairies, with a rich soil of vegetable mold and clay, covered with 
perennial wild grasses. 

This district, except at the eastern end, is without timber larger than 
a shrub. The principal resource at present is iu the wonderful fisheries 
off its coa^t. 



10 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

The Sitkan district is mountainous in the extreme, and the larger 
]i<)rtion covered with dense, forest. The great wealth of this district is 
in its lumber, tish, and minerals. Many garden vegetables are raised 
with success. In this district is situated the mining canij) of Juneau, 
where the now famous Ticadwell mine is yielding from 850,0(»0 to STojOUO 
in gold bullion ]»er month. 

With regard to Alaska, Mr. William H. Dall, of the Smithsonian In- 
stitution, writes, after a trip to Europe: 

I come back conviuced, from ytersoiial inspcctiou, that Alaska is a far bet ler country 
than much of Great Britain aud Norway, or even part of Prussia. 

POPULATION. 

Scattered over this vast north land, in clusters of small settlements, 
is a small population composed ai)proximately of 17,G17 Innuit, or Es- 
kimo, 2,145 Aleuts, 1,756 Creoles,* 5,100 Tinneh, 6,437 Thlingets, 788 
Hydah, aud 2,000 whites, making a total of 35,843. 

NOT INDIANS. 

And this native population, with perhaps the exception of the Tinneh, 
is not Indian. Because many of them are uncivilized, popular opinion, 
without giving the matter due consideration, has frequently' classed 
them as Indians. This is a mistake. The United States district court 
for Alaska has affirmed that they are not Indians — that they can sue 
and be sued, make contracts, go and come at pleasure, aud do whatever 
any other person can do lawfully. 

Hon. A. P. Swineford, governor of Alaska, in his annual report to 
the Secretary of the Interior (1885), says: 

The native Alaskans, as a rule, are industrious and provident, livin<f in permanent 
and substantial homes, and all are self-sustaiuinj^. The-ie ]}eople, it should be under- 
stood, are 7} ot Indians. Their appearance, habits, language, comi^lexion, aud even their 
anatomy, mark them as a race wholly different and distinct from the Indian tribes 
inhabiting other portions of the United States. They are far superior intellectually, 
if not in physical development, to the Indian of the plains; are industrious, more 
or less skillful workers in woods and metals ; and that they are shrewd, sharp traders, 
all who have had dealings with them will, I think, be willing to testify. They yield 
readily to civilizing influences, and can, with much less care than has been bestowed 
upon native tril)es elsewhere, be educated up to the standard of good and intelligent 
citizenship. .Just in proportion to their rdncational progress they should have the 
rights and privileges conferred and the duties and penalties of full citizeuship im- 
posed upon them. (See Appendix, Paper F.) 

As long agro as March 14, 1872, the Hon. E. A. Walker, Commissioner 
of Indian Affairs, in an official communication to the Secretary of the 
Interior concerning these peoi)le, says: 

For myself, I have never believed that the natives of Alaska were Indians within 
the meaning of the Constitution auy more than are Esquimaux or Kanakas, and I am 
<li8))08ed to avoid entirely the use of the word "Indian " as applied to them. The bal- 
ance of probabilities seems to me to incline toward an Asiatic origin, at least so far 
as the inhabitants of the coast and the islands are concerned. The inference from 
their geographical position, strong as it may be, is hardly so strong as the inference 
from their singular mimetic gifts and the high degree of mechanical dexterity which 
they are capable of attaining. These are qualities characteristic of the Oriental, and 
they are precisely the qualities in which the North American Indian is most deficient. 
But without attempting to establish their connection with the Chinese or Japanese, 
or to trace their descent from the lost tribes, it is sufficient for the purposes of this 
report if it be shown that the Department is not concluded by auy irresistible se- 
q^uence to treat the natives of Alaska as Indians within the intention of the law or- 
ganizing the Indian OflBce. 

* Descendants of Russian fathers aud native mothers. So called in the United 
States census report for 1830. 




rVPE PRINTING CO. BOSTON, MASS 



A TYPICAL ESKIMO MAN, TOGIAK RIVER, ALASKA. 
Photographed by Messrs. Hartmann & Weinland. 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 11 

Tliat it is nudesiruble to do so appears to me plain. The proviaion of the Consti- 
tution excluding Indians from tin; political body is so far invidious and opposed to 
the general spirit of that instrunuMit, and more especially to the spirjt of the recent 
amendments thereto, that it should be construed strictly, not extending unnecessarily 
to races of a (iiiestionable ethnical type and occupying a position practically distinct 
and ai)art from the range of the undoubted Indiiin tribes of the continent. (Report 
of Board of Indian Commissioners, lb72, p. 134.) 

The Governmeut bas never treated them as Indians, and it would be 
a national calamity at this late day to subject them to the restrictions 
and disabilities of our Indian system. 

Among those best known their highest ambition is to build American 
homes, possess American furniture, dress in American clothes, adopt 
the American style of living, and be American citizens. 

They ask no special favors from the American Government, no annui- 
ties or help, but simply to be treated as other citizens, protected by the 
laws and courts, and in common with all others furnished with schools 
for their children. 

THE PEOPLE AND THEIR VILLAGES.* 

The Innuit. 

The Innuit occupy almost the entire coast line of Alaska with the out- 
lying islands, from the boundary line westward along the Arctic coast 
to Bering Strait ; thence southward to the Aliaska Peninsula, over the 
j)eninsula and the Aleutian Islands, and eastward and northward along 
the coast to Mount Saint Elias, with the exception of a small territory 
on Cook's Inlet and at the mouth of Copper River, where the Tinneh 
from the interior have forced their way to the coast. Occupying the 
coast line, they are bold navigators and skilled fishermen and sea hunters. 

The term "Innuit" is the native word for "people" and is the name 
used by themselves, signifying "our people." The term "Eskimo" is 
one of reproach given them by their neighbors, meaning "raw-fish 
eaters." The Innuit of Alaska are a much finer race physically than 
their brethren of Greenland and Labrador. They are tall and muscu- 
lar, many of them being 6 feet and over in height. They have small 
black eyes, high cheek bones, large mouths, thick lips, coarse brown 
hair, and fresh yellow complexion. In many instances the men have 
full beards and moustaches. In some families the men wear a labret 
under each corner of the mouth in a hole cut through the lower lip for 
the purpose. 

They are a good-natured people, always smiling when spoken to. 
They are foud of dancing, running, jumping, and all athletic sports. 
While they speak a common language from the Arctic to the Pacific, 
each locality has its different dialect. 

Their usual dress is the parkas, made of the skins of animals and 
sometimes of the breasts of birds. However, where they have access 
to the stores of traders they buy ready-made clothing. 

Their residences have the outward appearance of a circular mound 
of earth covered with grass, with a small opening at the top for the es- 
cape of smoke. The entrance is a small door and narrow hallway to 
the main room, which is from 12 to 20 feet in diameter and is without 
light or ventdation. 



*The account of the people and their villages in Western Alaska is largely drawn 
from PetroflPs Report of Population of Alaska, United States census of 1880. 



12 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

Their diet consists of the wild meat of the moose, reiDdeer, bear, and 
smaller fur-bearing animals; also of fish, the white whale, the walrus, 
seal, and various water-fowl. In the northern section they have a great 
aversion to salt. While they will eat with great relish decayed fish or 
putrid oil, they will spit out with a wry face a mouthful of choice corned 
beef. 

Men, women, and children are alike inveterate smokers. 

While they travel continually in the summer, they have permanent 
winter homes. 

Their religious belief is quite indefinite. In a general way they be- 
lieve in a power that rewards the good and punishes the bad, by send- 
ing them to different places after death. They are savages, and, with 
the exception of those in Southern Alaska, have not had civilizing, 
educational, or religious advantages. 

From the boundary line to Bering Strait, along the bleak Arctic 
coast, villages are placed here and there, wherever there is a sheltered 
harbor with good banting or fishing. The population of these aggre- 
gates 3,000. 

At the mouth of the Colville Eiver they hold an annual fair, to which 
they come from hundreds of miles. 

At Point Barrow, the extreme northern point of land in the United 
States, and within 25 miles of being the northernmost land on the con- 
tinent, there is a village (Nuwuk) of 31 families and 150 people. They 
inhabit houses or tupecs that are built partly under ground for warmth. 
The upper portion is roofed over with dii*t, supported by rafters of whale 
jaws and ribs. 

Around Kotzebue Sound are a number of villages. Some of the hills- 
surrounding this sound rise to the height of a thousand feet, and ar& 
covered with a species of wild cotton, that in its season gives the ap- 
pearance of snow. 

Into this sound empty the Nunatok and Koowak Eivers, both large 
streams. This is one of the places Avhere the people come in July from 
all sections of the country for the purpose of trade and barter. The 
luuuit of the coast bring their oil, walrus hides, and seal skins; the 
Tinueh from the interior their furs ; and the Chuckchees from Asia their 
reindeer-skins, fire-arms, and whisky. 

It is to these gatherings that the traders come in schooners fitted out 
at San Francisco or Sandwich Islands with cargoes of whisky labeled 
" Florida water," " Bay rum," " Pain-killer," " Jamaica ginger," &c. Th& 
finest furs of Alaska are obtained at these fairs. Salmon are plentiful 
in Kotzebue Sound. 

Another center of villages is at Cape Prince of Wales. This is a 
I'ocky poiut, rising in its highest peak to an elevation of 2,500 feet 
above the sea. At the extremity of this cape is a village of 400 people, 
the westernmost village on the mainland in America. These people are 
great traders and travelers, skilled in hunting the whale on the seas or 
the reindeer on the land. They are insolent and overbearing toward 
the surrounding tribes, and, traveling in large companies, compel trade 
at their own terms. They are reported the worst natives on the coast. 

In the narrow strait separating Asia from America is a small group 
of islands called the Diomede. On these islands are three hundred lu- 
nuit. 

These, with those at Cape Prince of Wales, are the great smugglers 
of the north. Launching their walrus-skin boats (bidarkas) they boldly 
cross to and fro from Siberia, trading the deer-skins, sinew, and wooden. 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 13 

ware of Alaska for the walrus, ivory, skins of tame reindeer, and whale 
blubber of Siberia, also fire-arms and whisky. 

On King's Island, south of Cape Prince of Wales, are the cave dwell- 
ers of the present. The island is a great mass of basalt rock, with 
almost perpendicular sides, rising out of the ocean to the height of 700 
feet. On one side, where the rock rises at an angle of 45 degrees, the 
Innuit have excavated homes iu the rock. Some of these rock houses 
are 200 feet above the ocean. There are 40 of these cliff dwellings. 

When the surf is wildly breaking on the rocks, if it becomes neces- 
sary for any one to put out to sea, he gets as uear the surf as possible, 
takes his seat in his boat (kyack), and at the opportune moment two 
companions toss him and his boat over and clear of the surf. They are 
noted for the manufacture of water-proof boots from the skiu of the 
throat of the seal. They are lighter, more enduring, and greatly pre- 
ferred to rubber. 

Directly south of Bering Strait is the large island 9f Saint Lawrence. 
Formerly it had a population of 800. They were the largest and finest 
formed people of the Innuit race, but slaves to whisky. 

In the summer of 1878 they bartered their furs, ivory, and whalebone 
to the traders for rum, and as long as the rum lasted they spent their 
summer in idleness and drunkenness instead of preparing for winter. 
The result was that over 400 of them starved to death the next winter. 
In some villages not a single man, woman, or child was left to tell the 
horrible tale. 

From Bering Strait around the shores of Norton Sound are a number 
of villages, aggregating a population of 633. 

In this district is Saint Michael, a trading post, originally founded by 
the Eussians in 1835. The place consists of a few log houses, inclosed 
by a stockade, the property of the Alaska Commercial Company, and a 
chapel of the Rnsso Greek Church, with an occasional service by a priest 
from Ikogmute. This is the point where the ocean-going steamers 
transfer freight with the small steamers that ply on the Yukon River. 
To this point the furs collected at the trading posts in the interior, some 
of them 2,000 miles distant, are brought for reshiijment to San Fran- 
cisco. This is also the dividing line between the Inuuit of the Arctic 
and the Pacific. Half a mile from the trading post is a native village 
of 30 houses and one dance-house, or town hall. 

We come now to the region of the deuvsest population in Alaska, at- 
tracted and sustained by the abundance of fish that ascend the mighty 
Yukon and Kuskokvvim Rivers and the many smaller streams. 

Their fif<h diet is supplemented by the wonderful bird life of the 
country. The variety and numbers of wild geese and ducks is said to 
be greater than in any other section of the known world. To fish and 
fowl is added the flesh of the moose and reindeer. 

On the delta of the Yukon and southward to the mouth of the Kus- 
kokwim River are from 40 to 50 villages, with a population of 2,000. 
From the mouth of the Yukon to Anvik are 15 or Hi villages, with 1,345 
people; while on the Kuskokwim River are some 40. villages, aggregat- 
ing a population of 3,654. 

On the lower banks of this river the high land, free from tidal over- 
flow, is so fully occupied with houses that it is difficult for the traveler 
to find space to pitch a tent. 

In the adjacent Bristol Bay region are 34 villages and 4,340 people. 
A short portage across the Aliaska Peninsula brings us to the settle- 
ments of the civilized Innuit. 

In 1784, Gregory Shelikoff formed a settlement on Kadiak Island and 



'^ 




VILLAGE OF CAVK DWELLEUS, KING'S ISLAND, ALASKA. 
Published Ihiougb the courtesy of Mrs. Frank Leslie. 



14 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

comineDced the subjugation and civilizatiou of the people. Soon after 
he organized a school, which was the first in Ahiska. Also the first 
church building in Alaska was erected on this island. For a long time 
it was the liussian capital, the chief seat of their power and operations. 
The present village of Kadiak (Saint Paul) numbers 288 pjeople, living 
in 101 frame houses. They have a few cattle, and cultivate small gardens. 
They have a large church and a residen t i)riest ; also stores of the Alaska 
Commercial Company, a deputy collector of customs, and a signal 
weather oftice. A small school is kept at the expense of the Alaska 
Commercial Company. 

Opposite Kadiak is Wood Island, with 157 people. They have 4 
horses and 20 cattle. The village also possesses a small ship-yard, and 
a road around the island 12 or 14 miles long. This and a road li miles 
long at Sitka are the only roads in that vast Territory. The place pos- 
sesses the usual Eusso-Greek church, but no school. 

Near by is Spruce Island, where a Eussian monk kept a small school 
for 30 consecutive years, giving instruction in tlie rudimental arts and 
agricultural industries. The school is now discontinued for want of a 
teacher. 

Near by are the two villages of Afognak, with a population of 339. 
These reside in 32 good frame and log buildings, and cultivate 100 acres 
in i^otatoes and turnips. They have a large church, and ought to have 
a school. • 

On the western side of Kadiak is Karluk, with 302 people, having a 
church but no school. 

On the southeastern coast is Old Harbor with 160, Orlova with 147^ 
and Katmai with 218 people. Each of these villages possesses a church, 
but no school. 

In the Kadiak district are 3,128 civilized Innuit, or Eskimo, and Cre- 
oles, and 34 whites. 

The Innuit and Creoles are a well-to-do, industrious population, liv- 
ing in frame houses provided with the simpler furnishings of civiliza- 
tion, and on Sabbath and festal occasions the men dress iu broadcloth 
suits and calf-skin boots, the women in calico and silk dresses modeled 
after the fashion plates received from San Francisco. They are an or- 
derly, law-abiding people. 

Aleuts and Creoles. 

From the Innuit we pass to the consideration of the Aleuts. The 
origin of the word "Aleut" is not known. Their own designation of 
themselves is "Unung-un," the native word for "our people." 

They occupy the Aleutian chain of islands and portions of the Aliaska 
Peninsula, from the Shumagin Islands 1,650 miles westward to Attn. 

The average height of the men is about 5 feet 6 inches. They have 
coarse black hair, small black eyes, high cheekbones, flat noses, thick 
lips, large mouths, broad faces, and light yellowish-brown complexions, 
with a strong resemblance to the Japanese. 

The marriage relation is respected, and as a rule each family has 
its own house with from two to three rooms. They use in their 
houses a small cast-iron cook-stove or neat wrought-iron cooking range, 
granite-ware kettles, white crockery-ware dishes, pewter or silver-plated 
ware, and feather beds covered with colored spreads. Their walls are 
adorned with colored pictures and their houses lighted with kerosene 
in glass lamps. Nearly every home possesses an accordion, a hand- 
organ, or music-box, some of the latter costing as high as $200. They 




5 £ 



H 5 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 15' 

dress in American garments, and their women study witli great interest 
the fashion plates and try to imitate the latest stylt^s. 

Large numbers of them can read, an Aleutian alphabet and grammar 
having been provided for them by Veniaminotl. They are all members 
of the Eusso-Greek Church and outwardly very religious. They ask a 
blessing at their meals, greet strangers and friends with a blessing for 
their health, and bid them adieu with a benediction. 

The Hon. William S. Dodge, ex-mayor of Sitka, says of them : 

Many among theui are highly educated, eveu among the classics. The admiuis- 
trator of the fur company often reposed great confidence in them. One of their best 
jihysicians was an Aleutian. Their best traders and accountants were Aleutians. 

This, of course, was more particularly true of the past, when the lius- 
siau Government gave them educational advantages. 

The great industry of the country is the hunting of the sea-otter. 
From this source some of the villagers derive a revenue that, if econom- 
ically used, would make them wealthy, averaging from $G00 to $1,200 
a family. But their extra income is spent for kvass (quass), a home- 
made intoxicating beer. 

Commencing at the westward on the island of Attn is 1 white man 
and 106 Aleuts and Creoles. They are very poor. The village consists 
of 18 houses (barrabaras) and a frame chapel with thatched roof, but 
no school. This is the westernmost settlement in the United States, 
and is as far west of San Francisco as the State of Maine is east. 

The next settlement eastward is Nazan on Atka Island, with a popu- 
lation of 2 white men and 234: Aleuts and Creoles. They have 42 houses 
and a (diurch, but no school. They are wealthy, using freely at their 
table the groceries and canned fruits of civilization. They excel in the 
manufacture of baskets, mats, &c., out of grass. 

At Z^ikolski on Umuak Island are 2 white men and 125 Aleuts and 
Creoles. They are well-to-do financially, having 16 hoiises and a church, 
but no school. 

The next settled island is Unalashka, with a rocky, rugged, jagged 
coast. In the small bays are a number of villages, the principal one 
being Unalashka (Iliuliuk). 

This village has a population of 14 white men and 392 Aleuts and 
Creoles, They have a church, priest's residence, the stores, residences, 
warehouses, and wharves of the Alaska Commercial Company, 18 frame 
residences, and 50 barrabaras. One-half the po[)ulation can read the 
Aleutian language. It is the most important settlement in Western 
Alaska, and the commercial center of all the trade now in that region 
or that shall develop in the future. It is the natural outfitting station 
for vessels passing between the Pacitic and Arctic Oceans. 

From a cave at the southern end of this island were taken 11 mum- 
mies for the Smithsonian Institution. 

Two hundred and twenty-two miles north of Unalashka are'the cele- 
brated PribiloU", or, as they are more popularly called, Seal Islands. 

The village of Saint Paul, on an island of the same name, is laid out in 
regular streets like an American village, and has 64 houses, togetlu^r 
with a large chureh, a school house, and a priest's residence. The po))- 
ulation is 13 white men, 2 white women, and 284 Aleuts. 

Twenty-seven miles to the southeast is the companion island of Saint 
George, with 4 white men and 88 Aleuts. They have a church and 
school. These islands are leased by the United States Government to 
the Alaska Commercial Company at an annual rental of $55,000. By 
the terms of the lease the company is allowed to take 100,000 seal-skins 
each year, upon which they pay the Government a royalty of $262,500. 



16 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

The revenue of these islands since 1870 has returned to the Govern- 
ment more than half the sum paid to Russia for the whole country. 

From these two islands come nearly all the seal-skins of commerce. 
There is a small school on each island supported at the expense of the 
company. (See Appendix G.) 

The native population are encouraged to deposit their surplus earn- 
ings in a savings bank. 

In the immediate vicinity of Unalashka, on the island of Spirkin, is 
Borka, with 1 white man and 139 Aleuts and Creoles. This village is 
noted for its cleanliness. With their white scrubbed and neatly-sanded 
floors, their clear, clean windows, neat bedding, tidy rooms, and abun- 
dance of wild-flower bouquets on tables and window sills, they may 
properly be called the Hollanders of Alaska. 

To the eastward, near the southern end of the Aliaska Peninsula, is 
Belkoftski, with a i)opu]ation of 9 white men, 2 white women, and 257 
Aleuts and Creoles. In addition to the buildings of the great trading 
firms, the village has 30 frame houses apd 27 barrabaras. 

In 1880 they raised among themselves $7,000 for the erection of a 
new church. One-half of them can read and write in the Aleutian lan- 
guage, and they support a small school. Their revenue from the sale of 
sea-otter skins amounts to about $100,000 a year, or $373 for every man, 
woman, and child in the village. 

On the island of Unga, one of the Shumagin group, is a settlement 
of 15 white men and 170 natives. As, by a regulation of the United 
States Treasury Department, only natives are allowed to hunt the sea- 
otter, these white men have married native women, and thereby be- 
come natives in the eye of the law. The revenue of the sea-otter trade 
in this village averages about $600 a year to each family. US' the south 
coast of the Shumagin Islands are the famous cod banks of Alaska, 
from which are taken from 500,000 to 600,000 fish annually. 

In the Aleutian district are 1,890 Aleuts and 479 Creoles. 

Tinneh. 

"Tinneh" is the native word for "people." The Tinneh of Alaska are 
tall, well formed, strong, and courageous, with great powers of endur- 
ance. They are great hunters and fishers. They consider it a disgrace, 
an unfair advantage over a black bear to shoot him, but boldly attack 
him with a knife in a square open fight. Polygamy prevails among them, 
the men frequently having more than one, but seldom more than three 
wives. Wives are taken and discarded at pleasure. Among some of 
them female infanticide is prevalent. The bodies of the dead are buried 
in boxes above ground. Shamanism and witchcraft, with all their at- 
tendant barbarities, prevail. They also believe in a multitude of spirits, 
good and bad. 

On the lower course of the Yukon and Kuskokwim Rivers, and in the 
great range of country north and south bordering on the Innuit of the 
coast, are the western Tinneh, the Ingaliks of the Russians, numbering 
in 3 bands about 1,800. 

From the junction of the Yukon and the Tananah Rivers, westward 
to the British line, from the Innuit on the Arctic shore almost to Lynn 
Canal on the south, is the home of the Kutchin families. They num- 
ber, with the Ah-tena on Copper River, about 3,300. Some of these 
people have been taught to read by the missionaries of the Church Mis- 
gionary Society of England. (See Appendix H.) 

Around the shores of Cook's Inlet are the Kenai, numbering 813 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 17 

souls. They have largely been brought under the influence of the 
Eusso-Greek Church and become civilized. They dwell in substantial 
and well-built houses with spruce-bark roofs. They have churches, but 
no schools. 

Thlinget 

The Thlinget, composed of 10 clans, occupy the islands of the Alex- 
ander Archipelago and coasts adjacent. They number 6,437. 

Intimately associated with these are 788 Hydali, occupying the south- 
ern end of Prince of Wales Island. 

The Thlinget are a hardy, self-reliant, industrious, self-supporting, 
well-to-do, warlike, superstitious race, whose very name is a terror to 
the civilized Aleuts to the west as well as to the savage Tinneh to the 
north of them. 

ChiUxat. 

Occupying the extreme northern section of Lynn Canal iind the valleys 
of* the Chilkat and Chilkoot Rivers is the Chilkat tribe, numbering 988. 
They are great traders, being the "middle-men" of their region, carrj'- 
ing the goods of commerce to the interior and exchanging them for furs, 
which are brought to the coast, and in turn exchanged for more mer- 
chandise. Their country is on the highway of the gold-seekers to the 
interior. 

In the summer of 1880, a trading post having been established among 
them, I arranged for a school to be taught by the wife of the trader, 
Mrs. Sarah Dickjnson, an educated native. 

In 1881 I accompanied JRev. Eugene S. Willard and family, who com- 
menced a mission among them. 

In 1882 Miss Bessie M. Mathews, of Monmouth, 111., was sent out to 
take charge of a boarding department, which was opened in 1883. The 
station is called Haines, and has a post-ofi&ce. Thirty miles up the 
Chilkat River, for a time, a school w^as taught by Louis and Tillie Paul, 
native teachers. 

ffoo)iah. 

One hundred miles southward are the Hoonah, occupying both sides 
of Cross Sound, and numbering 90S. In 1881 I- erected a school-house 
and teacher's residence at their principal village, on Chichagoft Island, 
and placed Mr. and Mrs. Walter B. Styles, of New York City, in charge. 
In 1882 they were transferred to Sitka. In 1884 Rev. and Mrs. John W. 
McFarland were sent from Wrangell to Hoonah, and are now in charge 
of the school. 

Aulce. 

A few miles to the eastward, on the Admiralty Island, are the Auke, 
numbering 040. In their region valuable gold mines have bee'n opened 
and an American mining village established at Juneau. A summer 
school was taught by Mrs. W. H. R. Corlies during 1882 and 1883. 

Tal-ii. 

A few miles to the south, on the mainland, is the Taku tribe, num- 
bering 2G9. A summer school was held among them in 1880 by Rev. 
and Mrs. W. H. R. Corlies, of Philadelphia. In 1882, pressed by the 
importunities of the leading men of the tribe, he took up his abode 
among them, and erected school and residence buildings at Tsek-nuk- 
sank-3'. 

7018 AL 2 



18 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

Hoochinoo. 

On the southwestern side of Admiralty Island are the Hoochinoo, 
numberiiifj GOO. This tribe has for several j'cars been .asking- for a 
teacher. This place has been selected for one of the Government schools. 

Kale. 

To the south, on Kuiu and Kupreanoff Islands, are the Kake, num- 
bering 508. 

Stikine. 

Eastward, around the mouth and lower course of the Stikine River, 
are the Stikine. They number 317. Their principal village is at Fort 
Wrangell, on an island of the same name. 

At this point in the fall of 1877 I located Mrs. A. R. McFarland. In 
1878 Eev. S. Hall Young, of West Virginia, was sent out. The same 
season a boarding department for girls was established by Mrs. A. R. 
McFarland. In 1879 Miss Maggie A. Dunbar, of Steubenville, Ohio, 
was added to the teaching force. The same year the erection of a suit- 
able building was commenced, which was finished and occupied the fol- 
lowing year. Also the same year Rev. W. H. R. Corlies and family 
arrived from Philadelphia. Mrs. Corlies opened a school on the beach 
for visiting natives, and her husband a night school for adults. He also 
served as missionary physician to the place. 

In 1882 Rev. John W. McFarland and Miss Kate A. Rankin were added 
to the missionary force. In the fall of 1884 the Girls' Home was removed 
to Sitka, together with Mrs. A. R. McFarland and Miss Rankin. Mr. 
J. W. McFarland and his wife {nee Dunbar) were sent to Hoonah. 

Tongass. 

Two hundred miles south of Fort Wrangell are the Tongass, num- 
bering 273. Some of them cross over to British Columbia, and find 
school privileges at Port Simpson, a station of the Wesleyau Methodist 
Church of Canada. In 1884 a school was established among them, with 
Louis and Tillie Paul as teachers. 

Hydah. 

West of the Tongass, on the southern half of Prince of Wales Island, 
are the Hydah, numbering 788. They are a large, well formed, and 
handsome race, with light complexion, and have long been noted for 
their bravery and ferocity in war. Terrorizing all the neighboring 
tribes, they were known as the " Bulldogs" of the North Pacific. They 
have not even hesitated to attack and plunder English and American 
vessels. In 1854 they held the captain and crew of an American vessel 
in captivity until ransomed by the Hudson Bay Far Company. Their 
villages are remarkable for the number of totem sticks. These are 
carved logs from 1 to 2 feet in diameter, and from 20 to 00 feet high. 
Some of them contain hollow cavities, in which are placed the ashes of 
cremated dead chiefs; others are heraldic and represent the family 
totem or orders. In some cases a large oval opening through one of 
these sticks forms the entrance to the house; in others the pole is at 
one side of the entrance. The house is a large, low, plank building 
from 40 to 50 feet square, with a fire-place in the center of the floor, and 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 19 

a large opening in the roof for the escape of the smoke. Some of them 
have inserted windows and doors in their bniUliugs, and procured bed- 
steads, tables, stoves, dishes, and other appliances of civilized life. 

Their food consists largely of fish, dried or fresh, according to the 
season. Their 'country also abounds with wild berries and deer. The 
berries are preserved in fish-oil for winter nse. Their coast also abounds 
with good clams. They raise large quantities of potatoes. 

The Hydah are noted for their skill in carvnig wood, bone, gold, 
silver, and stone. The finest of the great cedar canoes of the north- 
west coast are manufactured by them. They practice pol^-gamy and 
hold slaves. The husband buj'S his wife, frequently while a mere girl, 
from her parents. If she does not suit she can be returned and the 
price refunded. Chastity is uncommon. They are inveterate gamblers. 

Like the other heathen tribes on that coast, they live in perpetual fear 
of evil spirits, and give large sums to the conjurors and medicine men, 
who, by their incantations, are supposed to secure immunity from the 
evil intiuences of the spirits. In sickness their main reliance is upon 
the incantations of their medicine men, and death is ascribed to the evil 
influence of an enemy or witchcraft, and whoever is suspected of ex- 
erting that influence is killed. The dead are usually burned, and the 
ashes placed in a small box and deposited in a house or totem stick. 
An election to chieftainship is purchased by a " pot-latch," or giving 
away of presents of goods and money. These are common to the na- 
tive tribes on the Pacific coast from Puget Sound to Alaska. 

An ambitious 3'Oung man will work hard for years and save his earn- 
ings, that he may make a pot-latch. If unable to accumulate a suflicient 
sum of himself, his relatives will add to his collection. When the time 
arrives the people are invited for hundreds of miles around. It is a 
season of dancing and other festivities, during which the entire accumu- 
lation of years is given away and the giver impoverished. He, how- 
ever, secures position and renown, and soon recovers in the gifts of 
others more than he gave away. 

The customs of the Hydah are largely the customs of all the Thlinget 
tribes. \ 

On the 22d of August, 1881, I established a mission among them at 
the village of Howcan, placing Mr. James E. Chairman in charge as a 
teacher. The station was called Jackson by the missionaries. In the 
spring of 1882 Eev. J. Loomis Gould and family, of West Virginia, 
were sent to the Hydah. The same year some ladies in Brooklyn, 
IS". Y., provided a saw-mill for the station ; and in the fall of that year 
Miss Clara A. Gould was added to the teaching force at Jackson. 

Hanegah. 

In the northern portion of Prince of Wales Island are the Hanegah, 
numbering 587. The establishment of a school among them is under 
consideration. 

SitJcas. 

To the north, on the western coast of Baranoflf, are the Sitkas, num- 
bering 721. Their chief village is at Sitka, the old capital of the Rus- 
sian possessions in America. It was their political, commercial, relig- 
ious, and educational center. As early as 1805 a school was opened 
at Sitka. It held a very precarious existence, however, until 1820, when 
it came under the charge of a naval officer, who kept a good school for 
thirteen years. In 1833 this school came under the direction of Etoliu, 



20 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

who still further increased its efficiency. Etolin was a Creole, who by 
force of ability and merit raised himself to the highest position in the 
country, that of chief director of the fur company and governor of the 
colony. lie was a Lutheran, the patron of schools and churches. 
"While governor he erected a Protestant church at Sitka, and jiresented 
it with a small i)ipe organ, which is still in use. 

In 1840, besides the colonial school at Stika, was one for orphan boys 
and sons of workmen and subaltern employes of the fur company, in 
which were taught reading, writing, arithmetic, grammar, mechanical 
trades, and religion. The most i)r()ficient of the pupils at the age of 
seventeen were advanced to the colonial school and prei)ared for the 
navy or priesthood. The number of boarders was limited to fifty. The 
school was iu charge of Lieutenant Commander Prince Maxutoff', assist- 
ant governor of the colony. In 184:7 the attendance was 52 ; in 1849, 
39 : and in 18G1, 27. 

In 1839 a girls' school of a similar character was est.'ibhshed and the 
number of boarders limited to 40. The course of study coniprised the 
Russian language, reading, writing, arithmetic, household work, sewing, 
and religion. In 1848 the school numbered 32 ; in 1849, 39 ; and in 1861, 
26. 

, In 1841 a theological school was established at Sitka, which, in. 1849, 
was advanced to the grade of a seminary. In 1848 it reported 30 board- 
ers, 12 day pupils, and 12 Creoles being educated in Russia. Of those 
in Russia two were iu training for pilots, one as merchant, one gunsmith, 
one fur dealer, one tailor, and one cobbler. In 1849 the attendance was 
reported 28, with 11 others in Russia. 

In 1859 and 1860 the common schools at Sitka were remodeled in order 
to secure greater efficiency. The course of stud}- consisted of Russian- 
Slavonian, and English languages, arithmetic, history, geograph}-, book, 
keeping, geometry^, trigonometry, navigation, astronomy, and religion. 
A knowledge of Russian, reading and writing, and the four rules of 
arithmetic was required for admission. 

A pupil failing to pass examination two years in succession was 
dropped. The course extended over five years. I^xtra compensation 
was allowed teachers who secured the best results. The faculty con- 
sisted of a princii)al, who was a graduate of the School of Commercial 
Navigation ; a free jiilot, who taught navigation j an employe of the com- 
pany, who taught book-keeping and commercial branches; one priest 
and two licentiates, graduates of the University of St. Petersburg. 

The corresponding schools for girls were in charge of a lady graduate 
of one of the highest female schools in Russia, with two male teachers. 

This made five schools at Sitka — two for the children of the lower 
class, two for the higher class, and one seminary. 

About the time of the transfer of the country the teachers were re- 
called to Russia and the schools suspended. 

But with the change of Government came a new people. The major- 
ity of the Russians left the country, and their places were taken by 
Americans. Many came in from California, and on the 8th of Novem- 
ber, 1867, less than a mouth from the time that the country passed un- 
der the IJnited States flag, the citizens called a meeting and formed a 
temporary local goverumejit. And on the 18th of December, 1867, a 
petition signed by forty-nine persons, two of whom "made their mark," 
was presented to the common council asking that a citizens' meeting 
might be called to empower the council to establish a school. (See Appen- 
dix J.) On the 20th of March, 1868, the council adopted some school regu- 
lations and appointed three trustees, who exercised a joint control with 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 21 

a committee of officers from the military post at Sitka. During the win- 
ter of lSr>8-'60 a scliool building; was purchased. The annual reports 
of the trustees have (lisai)])eare(l, and tlieie is nothing to show the time 
when teaching coinnuMicecl. In ()<'tober, l.SG!), the council voted that the 
salary of tlie teacher should be 87.) per niontli in coin, and on March 1, 
1871, it was ordered to be $LM ])er month, which evidently means that 
at the latter i)eriod the post commander withdrew the $50 per month 
which had been paid from army funds. On the 12th of August, 187J, 
permission was given the bishop of the Greek Church to teach the Kus- 
sian language one hour each day in the public school. During 1873 the 
school seems to have died out. 

In 1870 and 1880 another attempt was made to establish a school, 
which was taught by Mr. Alonzo E. Austin and Miss Etta Austin. 

In the winter of 1877 and 1878 I secured the appointment of Eev. 
John G. Brady for Sitka, and in April, 1878, a school was opened by 
Mr, Brady and Miss Fannie E. Kellogg. In December, through a com- 
bination of circumstances, it was discontinued. In the spring of 1880 
Miss Olinda Austin was sent out from New York City, and commenced 
school April 5, in one of the rooms of the guard-house, with 103 children 
present. This number increased to 130, Then some of the parents 
applied for admission, but could not be received, as the room would not 
accommodate any more. 

Miss Austin received the support and substantial assistance of Cap- 
tain Beardslee, then in command of the U, S. S, Jamestown, who proved 
himself a warm friend of the enterprise. 

In July the school was moved to the old hospital building. 

In Xovember some of the boys applied to the teacher for permission 
to live in the school-house. At home, they alleged, there was so much 
drinking, talking, and carousing that they could not study. The teacher 
replied that she had no accommodations, bedding, or food for them. 
But they were so much in earnest that they said they would provide 
for themselves. Upon receiving permission, seven native boys, thirteen 
and fourteen years of age, bringing a blanket each, voluntarily left their 
homes and took up their abode in a vacant room of one of the Govern- 
ment bniUlings. Thus commenced the boarding department of the Sitka 
school. Soon other boys joined them. Capt. Henry Glass, who suc- 
ceeded Captain Beardslee in command of the U. S. S. Jamestown, from 
the first, with his officers, especially Lieut. F, M, Symonds, U. S. X., 
took a deep interest in the school. As he had opportunity he secured 
boys from distant tribes and placed them in the institution, until there 
were 27 boys in the boarding dei)artment. 

In February, 1881, Captain Glass established a rule compelling the 
attendance of the native children upon the day school, which was a move 
in the right direction and worked admirably. He first caused the native 
village to be cleaned up, ditches dug around each house for drainage, 
and the houses whitewashed. These sanitary regulations greatly less- 
ened the sickness and death rate among them. He ordered tlie houses 
to be numbered and an accurate census taken of the inmates, adults 
and children. He then caused a number of labels to be made of tin, 
one of which was tied around the neck of each child, with his or her 
number and the number of the house on it, so that if a child was found 
ou the street during school hours, the native policeman was under or- 
ders to take the number on the label and report it, or the teacher each 
day would report that such and such numbers from such houses were 
absent that day. The following morning the head man of the house to 
which the absentee belonged was summoned to appear and answer for 



22 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

the child. If the chihi was willfully abseut, the head man was fined or 
imprisoned. A few cases of fine i)roved sufficient. As soon as the 
people found the captain in earnest tlie children were all in school. This 
ran the average attendance up to 230 and 250, the attendance one day 
reaching, with adults, 271. In April of that year Mr. Alonzo E. Austin 
was associated with his daughter in the school and Mrs. Austin appointed 
matron. In the winter of 1882 the school-house was burned, and the 
boys took refuge in an abandoned Government stable, which was fitted 
up for them. In the fall of 1882, after consultation with the collector of 
customs, the commander of the United States man-of-war, and the lead- 
ing citizens, I selected a new" location for the school outside of village 
limits and erected a two-and-a-half story building 100 by 50 feet in size. 
In 1884 the Girls' Boarding School at Fort Wrangell was removed to 
Sitka, and the united schools made a Government contract industrial 
and training school. The same season a second large building, 130 by 
50 feet, was erected for the use of the school, and in March, 1885, there 
were 42 boys and 61 girls under training in this school. (See Appen- 
dix M.) 

ESTABLISHMENT OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

On the 2d day of March, 1885, the honorable the Secretary of the 
Interior assigned the work of making provision for the education of the 
children in Alaska to the Bureau of Education. (See Appendix G.) 

It was a work of great magnitude, in a new and untried field, and 
with unknown difficulties. It was a work so unlike any other that the 
experience of the past in other Departments could not be the sole guide. 
It was a problem peculiar to itself, and must be worked out by and for 
itself. It covered an area of one-sixth of the United States. The schools 
to be established would be from 4,000 to 6,000 miles from headquarters 
at Washington, and from 100 to 1,000 miles from one another. And that 
in an inaccessible countrj^, only one small corner of which has any 
public means of intercommunication. The teachers of five schools in 
Southeastern Alaska would be able to receive a monthly mail; the 
larger number of the others could only receive a chance mail two or 
three times a year, and still others only one annually. 

It was to establish English schools among a people the larger portion 
of whom do not speak or understand the English language, the diffi- 
culties of which will be better appreciated if you conceive of an attempt 
being made to instruct the children of New York or Georgia in arith- 
metic, geography, and other common-school branches through the me- 
dium of Chinese teachers and text-books. Of the 36,000 people in 
Alaska, not over 2,000 speak the English tongue, and they are mainly 
in three settlements. 

It was to instruct a people, the greater portion of whom are uncivil- 
ized, who need to be taught sanitary regulations, the laws of health, 
imi^rovement of dwellings, better methods of housekeeping, cooking, 
and dressing, more remunerative forms of labor, honesty, chastity, the 
sacredness of the marriage relation, and everything that elevates man. 
So that, side by side with the usual school drill in reading, writing, and 
arithmetic, there is need of instruction for the girls in housekeeping, 
cooking, and gardening, in cutting, sewing, and mending; and for the 
boys in carpentering and other forms of wood working, boot and shoe 
making, and the various trades of civilization. 

It was to furnish educational advantages to a people, large classes . 
of whom are too ignorant to appreciate them, and who require some 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 23 

form of pressure to oblige tlietu to keep their children in school regu- 
larly. It was a system of schools among a people, who, while in the 
m'ain only partially civilized, yet have a future before them as Ameri- 
can citizens. 

It was the establishment of schools in a region where not only the 
school-house but also the teacher's residence must be erected, and 
where a portion of the material must be transported from 1,500 to 4,500 
miles, necessitating a corresponding increase in the school expenditure. 

It was the finding of properly qualified teachers, who, for a moderate 
salary, would be willing to exile themselves from all society, and some 
of them settle down in regions of arctic winters where they can hear 
from the outside world only once a year. 

To the magnitude of the work, and the special difliculties environing 
it, is still further added the complication arising from the lack of suffi- 
cient funds to carry it on, there being appropriated only $25,000 with 
which to commence it. 

GENERAL AGENT OF EDUCATION. 

From the nature and extent of the work it was at once apparent that 
it could not be efficiently carried on from the office at Washington alone, 
but required in addition an agent familiar with the country, and who 
should spend his summers on the field, determining the location of new 
schools, inspecting existing ones, and arranging with regard to build- 
ings, supplies, and teachers. 

Consequently on the 11th of April, 1885, the Secretary of the Interior 
directed the establishment of the office of " General Agent of Education 
in Alaska." (See Appendix D.) 

This action met with the hearty indorsement of the leading educa- 
tors of the United States, who for several years past have manifested 
an interest in the establishment of public schools in Alaska. (See Ap- 
pendix E.) 

SCHOOLS IN SOUTHEASTERN ALASKA. 

In Southeastern Alaska the establishment of schools, in comparison 
with the difficulties met in other sections of this land, was easy, as four 
of the seven schools can be reached monthly by the mail steamer. 
Further, schools had been kept at all these points but two, for several 
years by teachers in the employ of the Board of Home Missions of the 
Presbyterian Church. This missionary organization was the first of the 
American churches to enter that neglected land. Finding no schools, 
they established them side by side with their missions, proposing to fur- 
nish educational advantages until the General Government should be 
ready to do it. Therefore last fall, wherever the Government was ready 
to undertake the work in any village occupied by the Presbyterians, they 
turned over their schools to the Government. As the Presbyterians had 
a body of efficient teachers already on the ground, acclimated, expe- 
rienced in the work, more or less acquainted with the native language, 
and possessing the Confidence of the people, it was both more economi- 
cal to the Government and for the best interests of the schools that they 
should as far as possible be re-employed, which was done. 

Special requests having been received for an early inauguration of the 
public-school system in Sitka and Juneau, I gave them my first atten- 
tion. 



24 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

OFFICIAL INTERFERENCE. 

At Sitka I met witb considerable annoyance and opposition from some 
of the liite officials stationed tliere. For reasons best known to them- 
selves, those officers directly or indirectly threw their official influence 
in opposition to the school and mission Wdrk. This commenced while I 
was superintendent of the industrial school at Sitka, and was continued 
after I resigned that position and accepted the Government agencj'. 
This opposition culminated on the 19th of August, 18iS5, at which date 
I went aboard the monthly mail steamer with school desks and furni- 
ture for the Government school at Wrangell, and with charts, maps, 
«&;c.,for the schools at Hoonah, Haines, Juneau, Wrangell, and Jack- 
son ; also with the papers and instructions necessary to set them iu 
operation early iu September. I was also expecting to visit Killisnoo 
and see what arrangements could be made for a school there. Just as 
the gang-plank was to be drawn in before leaving I was arrested by 
Deputy Marshal Sullivan, and with unnecessary rudeness hustled off 
the steamer. After the arrest I was locked up in a cell until the 
steamer was out of reach, when I was taken before the judge, arrange- 
ments were made for increasing my bonds to $3,200, and I was set free. 
As we have only one mail steamer a month they accomplished their pur- 
pose in detaining me at Sitka. Last spring District Attorney Haskett, 
through false representations to the grand jury, succeeded in securing 
four indictments against me for building fences and making other im- 
provements for the training school, on Government land it is true, but 
land which had been set apart for the school by Congress. The four in- 
dictments were for different stages of one and the same offense. If the 
alleged acts had really beeu committed the penalty is from $25 to $500. 
The bail was placed at the extreme limit, $500 for each case, accepted 
by the judge, and the trial set for the Il^ovember term. 

At the time of the sailing of the steamer Mr. Haskett secured from 
Judge McAllister a warrant for my arrest, requiring me to appear before 
the court and increase the amount of my bonds. This could have beeu 
done in ten minutes and I have been allowed to go about my ofticial 
duties. Although it was well known that I intended leaving on the 
steamer, the warrant was not issued until 9 o'clock a. m. on theda^^ the 
steamer sailed. Eveu then the serving of it was held back until 3 p. m., 
the hour the steamer sailed. The warrant required me to be taken be- 
fore the judge "forthwith," instead of which I was locked up in a cell. 
The feeling of indignation against both Mr. Haskett and Judge McAllis- 
ter over this last official outrage was very great. Russians, natives, and 
Americans alike condemned it in unmeasured terms. This was the end 
of their official power to hinder the school work, as the next mail steamer 
brought the news of their removal from office and the appointment of 
others in their stead, who are manifesting a very marked interest in the 
schools. The new district attorney. Col. M. D. Ball, gave early atten- 
tion to the indictments against me. Finding that the matter on which 
the four indictments for obstructing a road were based was not, under 
the laws of Oregon, a criminal offense, nor an indictable offense, but at 
most a misdemeanor, cognizable before a justice of the peace, and also 
finding that the obstruction in the one case was purely technical and 
iu the others an alteration of the road which came within the spirit of 
the law, he moved, at a meeting of the United States district court, Oc- 
tober 5, 1885, that the cases be dismissed, which was done. The affair 



V 




BUILDING rsKD BY U. S. PUBLIC SCHOOL, HAIXES, ALASKA. 
From a pliotouiaph by Kev. E. S. Willaid. 




BUILDING USED BY U. S. PUBLIC SCHOOL, SITKA, ALASKA 
From a sketrli liy Mr. Salomou Ripiusky. 



EDUCATION m ALASKA. 25 

lias attracted so nuich attention that I inclose the record of the court.* 
(See Appendix K.) 

Previous to his removal from office, United States District Attorney 
Haskett, by means of persistent misrepresentations and the matter-of- 
course manner in which many persons sign petitions, secured a number 
of signatures to a petition asking for my removal. 

But after the ofticials who were active in the matter were removed 
from office by the President, causing the special pressure on the com- 
munit}- to cease, there was a reaction in public sentiment. 

Two i)rominent citizens who had signed the petition for my removal 
afterward offered to go on my bonds, and others apologized, explaining 
that at the time they di<l not know what it was they signed. These 
troubles an-d the misrei)resentations preceding them created more or 
less prejudice against the general agent for the past summer. The 
prejudice is rapidly disappearing, and has in no way impaired the ef- 
ficiency of the public schools. 

The parents and the children are not brought into personal relations 
with the agent, but with the teachers. If the teachers are personally 
popular and efficient, then the schools will i^rosper and win their way. 

That the schools have prospered will be seen by the detailed report 
of their monthly attendance. 

To Sitka, the chief seat of the troubles, teachers were sent from the 
East. 

Sitka. 

By permission of the collector of the port, who is the custodian of 
the Government buildings, I took possession of a log house in the center 
of the village and repaired it as best I could under the circumstances. 
In this building a school was opened on June 22, 1885, with Miss Mar- 
garet Powell as teacher. Miss Powell is a trained teacher from Western 
Pennsylvania and a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. At- 
tendance: June, 17; July, 31; August, 22; September, 22; October, 
26; I^Tovember, 34; December, 31; and January, 43. 

A few weeks after the arrival of the new officials Governor Swineford 
called a meeting of tlie Alaskans to urge upon them the importance and 
duty of placing all their children in school. They were also addressed in 
tbesame strain by Colonel Ball, by the general agent, and by Revs. Messrs. 
Willard and Austin. The elfect of these addresses was such that upon 
consultation with the other otllcials, and at their request, it seemed wise 
to add a second department to the school at Sitka, which was done on 
the 16th of XovtMuber, with Miss Kate A. Rankin, of Western Pennsyl- 
vania, as teacher, and 77 pupils in attendance. 

Jimeau. 

This village, 1661 miles by water northeast of Sitka, is so far the i)rin- 
cipal mining center of Alaska, and has the largest American population 
of any place in the Territory. At this place a log carpenter-shop was 
rented and fixed uj) for a school-room. 

School opened on the 1st of June, with Miss Marion B. Murphy, of 
Oregon, as teacher. She reported an attendance for June of 75, of 
whom 3 were Americans, 10 Creoles, and 62 natives ; July, 46; August, 

* Since tlie report was Aviitten a sworn statement of the unfriendly attitude of the 
court has been received from Prof. A. J. Davis. (See Appendix L.) 
tThe distance is reckoned bv the usual route traveled. 



26 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

30; September, 34; October, 37; November, 90; December, 76; and 
Jauiuiry, 07. 

Miss Murpby is a member of tbe lloman Catliolic Cliurch. 

As tbe weather grew colder and more stormy in the fall, it was found 
necessary to make still further repairs in the school-room. 

Looking forward to the erection of a suitable building in the near 
future, I selected a block of land, with the concurrence of the United 
States commissioner, and had a cheap fence thrown around it, in order 
to secure it for school purposes. 

Juneau is one of tbe eight post-offices now in Alaska. 

Soonah. 

At Hoouah, 130* miles by water north from Sitka, the fall term of the 
school opened on Tuesday, September 1, 1885, with 31 pupils. No later 
report has been received. The teacher is Mrs. Maggie Dunbar McFar- 
land, wife of the missionary at that place. 

They are the only white persons in that section of the country. The 
attendance during the preceding winter (1881-'85) was 69 boys, 76 girls, 
and 74 adults ; total, 219. 

This school is among a people who, while residing in their principal 
village during the winter, in summer move out to their fishing camps, 
some of them 100 miles away. During last summer Mr. and Mrs. McFar- 
land followed their people in a canoe, holding a temporary school in the 
larger places. This admirable and self-denying work kept fresh in the 
minds of the children the teaching they had already received. 

Hoonah is about 60 miles from a post-office, so that the teachers re- 
ceive their mail by chance canoes at irregular intervals during the sum- 
mer, and in the winter not at all. 

Fort Wrangell. 

Three hundred and thirty-three miles t southeast of Sitka is Fort 
Wrangell. Here a school was opened on the 1st day of September, with 
33 pupils. Miss Lydia McAvoy, teacher (from West Virginia), reports 
the attendance for the month at 41, of whom 28 were boys, 9 girls, and 
4 adults, composed of the following nationalities : 1 American, 1 Creole, 
1 French, 3 Norwegian, 8 half-breeds, and 27 Alaskans. The attendance 
for October was 53 ; November, 70 ; December, 69 ; and January, 65. 

Haines. 

Haines is 200 miles by water north of Sitka. Here the school occu 
pies the Mission building, and is more comfortably situated than any 
other public school in Alaska. The teacher. Miss Sarah M. Dickinson, 
is an intelligent half-breed girl, educated at the Government training 
school at Forest Grove, Oreg., and afterwards at Saint Mary's Hall, an 
Episcopal school for young ladies, at Portland, Oreg. This school at 
present is about 100 miles from a post-office, and has no regular com- 
munication with the outside world during the long winter months. 
Attendance for September, 40; October, 77 ; November, 68 ; December, 
81; and January, 84. 

* The distance is reckoned by the usual route traveled. 
t Steamship route via Juneau. 



EDUCATION IN' ALASKA. 27 

Jacl:son. 

Tliis village is 533* miles by water soutli of Sitka. The winter school 
opened on the first Tuesday in Sejiteniber. Attendance, September, 
50; October, 72; December, 87; and January, 77. The teacher, Miss 
Clara A. Gould, of West Virginia, resides with her brother, who is the 
. missionary there. There is a post-office at this place, and a monthly 
mail is brought from Fort Wraugeil, about 200 miles, in a canoe, a trip 
which takes from five to fifteen days each way, according to the weather. 

Killisnoo. 

Killisnoo, distant 75 miles by water from Sitka, is the present center 
of the tish-oil trade of Alaska, and in the neighborhood of extensive coal 
fields and some valuable gold mines. 

It also has a post-office. Arrangements are being made to open a 
school at this point in January, 1886.t 

WESTERN ALASKA. 

As there are no public means of intercommunication with Western 
Alaska, instructions were issued by the honorable the Secretary of the 
Navy for the U. S. 6. Pinta, stationed in Alaska waters, to convey the 
governor and general agent of education to the leading villages in that 
section. When Governor Swiueford, after his appointment, reached 
Alaska it was too late in the season for the proposed trip. On this ac- 
count I was unable to establish several schools that had been author- 
ized by you. However, arrangements are in progress that will secure 
the opening of these schools in the early summer of 1886. 

Notwithstanding my own inability to reach this western portion of 
Alaska, in September 1 made an attempt to seud a teacher to Kadiak, 
633 miles distant by water. A suitable man was found in Mr. Salomon 
Ripinsky, a Russian Hebrew, who had received a liberal European ed- 
ucation and was recommended by a former superintendent of public 
instruction for the State of Oregon. He was so anxious to go that he 
was willing to take the risks of the trip in a small 10-tou sail boat. Be- 
ing loaded with desks and other school supplies, the vessel sailed from 
Sitka 01V the 7th of September. On September 10, in latitude 57° 45' 
N., and longitude 137° W., the vessel sprung aleak in a storm. She 
"was headed for land, and with great difficulty kept afloat. Mr. Kipinsky 
and the captain (the sole occupants) worked at the pumps day and 
night for life, until the vessel was finally driven through the breakers 
into Lisianski Strait and beached. Pumping the water out and repair- 
ing vessel as best they could, they again launched her with the purpose 
of trying to nmke Killisnoo. In the storm at sea while the waves were 
rolling over the deck they had lost much of their provisions, which were 
washed overboard, and they were reduced to great straits by hunger. 
As the vessel continued to leak, they were compelled to work at the 
pumps. To add to their danger they were in unknown waters among 
strange rocks and in danger of being dashed to pieces. Finally, after 
sixteen days of battling with the elements and hanging between life and 
death, they reached Killisnoo and were safe. 

After unloading and storing the school supplies, Mr. Ripinsky hired 

* Via Juneau and Fort Wraugeil. 

t This school was opened in February by Prof. George B. Johnston, of Western Penn- 
sylvania. 



28 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

a canoe with a crew of natives, and returned to Sitka. The day after 
his return the steamship Bonita reached Sitka en route to Unahishka 
and leering Sea. 

Availinn^ myself of the opportunity, I chaijged the destination of Mr. 
Ripinsky, with his own approval, and sent him to Unalashka, 1,278 miles 
from Sitka. 

A small sup])ly of desks, books, slates, &c., were furnished from the 
Sitka school. In a hasty note, returned by the steamer that conveyed 
him to his destination, herei)orts opening- school with 45 puj^ils, 20 boys 
and 25 g'irls. Xo further news can be. expected from hiiu for the next 
seven montlis,* as his post-ottice is San Francisco, 2,418 miles away. 
At that otihce his mail will continue to accumulate until next spring-, 
when some trading- vessel going- to LTnalaslika will take it to him, and 
returning- will bring- dow^n his communications to the outside world. 
His acquaintance with the Russian tongue will be of great assistance to 
him in that place, where many understand the Russian and but very 
few the English language. 

INTERIOR ALASKA. 

As previously stated, communication with interior Alaska is very dif- 
ficult. If I wish to visit the school on the Yukon River, my nearest 
way is to take the mail steamer from Sitka to Juneau, 10(3 miles, tbeu 
hire a canoe and natives to take me, together with blankets and provi- 
sions, to the head of Dyya Inlet, about 100 miles. Then leaving the 
water, a fresh crew of natives is hired to carry my supplies 25 miles on 
foot, over a dangerous mountain trail, to the upper waters of the Yukon, 
then construct a raft and float down the stream 1,500 miles to Nulato, 
or 1,750 miles to Anvik. The trip would occupy two months. Another 
practicable way is to take the mail steamer to San Francisco, 1,600 miles, 
then a chance steamer to Saint Michaels, 3,204: miles, then a small river 
steamer that makes one trip a year to Xulato, 70i) miles, a total distance 
of 5,033 miles. To make the trip and return in the same year would 
require close connections. 

If I wish to visit the school at Bethel, I take a mail steauier from 
Sitka to San Francisco, 1,000 miles, then wait until some vessel sails for 
Unalashka, 2,418 miles, then wait again until some trading vessel has 
occasion to visit the mouth of the Kuskokwim River, 401 miles, and go 
from thence in a bidarka (sea-lion-skin canoe) 150 miles up the»river, a 
total of 4,029 miles. By the same tedious route the teachers receive 
their annual mail, except that it starts from San Francisco. 

YUKON RIVER. 

For years the Church Missionary Society of England has had stations 
at Fort McPherson and La Pierre House, bordering on Northeastern 
Alaska, and their missionaries have made occasional trips on the Upper 
Yukon and its tributaries. (See Appendix H.) 

Among the capable and energetic young men in its employ, Rev. 
Vincent C Sims has manifested so much interest in the ])eople, such 
endurance of hardship, and such adaptation to the work, that applica- 
tion was made to the Board of Missions of the Protestant Episcopal 

*■ Siuce this report was made the U. S. Revenue Marine steamer Rush made a spe- 
cial trip to Bering Sea in searcli of a missing whaler and brought back reports from 
Unalashka as late as February 1, 1886. School attendance for October, 45; Novem- 
ber, 44; December, 44; and January, 44. 




UXALASHKA, ALASKA. 
Published tbroiigL the courtesy of Mrs. Frank Leslie. 




ESKIMO VILLAGE, ST. MICHAEL, ALASKA. 




TliADIXG POST, ST. MICHAEL, ALASKA. 
Published thiougli the courtesy of Mis. Frauk Leslie. 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 29 

Church to secure him as teacher of a Government school on the Yukon 
Eiver. The society has responded favorably, and selected as teachers 
Mr. Sims* and Mr. Kirby, a young- man born in that region, the son of 
Archdeacon W. W. Kirby, an English missionary. Their final appoint- 
ment is dependent ui)Ou their being released from their present engage- 
ments by the Church Missionary Society of England. 

BETHEL. 

During the summer of 1884 the American branch of the Moravian 
Church sent a commission, consisting of Kev. A. Hartman and Mr. Will- 
iam H. Weiulaud, to visit the western section of Alaska in search of a 
suitable location for a mission to the Eskimo. (See Appendix I.) 

They left San Francisco May 3, 1884, reaching the mouth of the Kus- 
kokwim River, 4,479 miles, on the 12th of June. Leaving the steamer and 
hiring two three holed bidarkas (sea-lion -skin canoes), with four natives 
to manage them, tliey ascended the river to iSTapaimute 300 miles, visiting 
every village by the way. On the 9th of July they commenced their re- 
turn to Fort Alexander, GOO miles distant, which they reached August 8, 
having been eight weeks in the uncomfortable boat. From Fort Alex- 
ander they returned to Unalashka by schooner, and from thence to San 
Francisco by steamer. The result of their exploration was the locating 
of a mission station 150 miles up the Kuskokwim River, near the native 
village of Mumtrekhlagamute. The new station was named Bethel. 
Last winter was spent by the Moravians in raising the funds to com- 
mence the mission. It was found necessary to have a special boat made 
for use on the river, also to purchase in San Francisco the lumber, sashes, 
doors, hardware, furniture, &c., for the mission buildings, to lay in a 
year's sui)ply of provisions, medicines, and other necessaries, and charter 
a schooner to take the supplies to the mouth of the river, Un the 18th 
day of May, 1885, the party, consisting of Rev. William H. Weinland and 
Rev. J. H. Killbuck (Delaware Indian), and their wives, with Mr. John 
Torgerson, mechanic and lay assistant, sailed from San Francisco, reach- 
ing the mouth of the Kuskokwim on the 19th of June. They at once 
set about the transporting of the building materials and supplies to 
Bethel in their small boat. Reports have been received from them as 
late as August 12, at which time they were still busy in bringing up 
material. 

On the 10th of August the mission met with a great loss in the acci- 
dental d)-owning of Mr. Torgerson, who, passing aft on the deck of their 
little boat; slipped and fell into the river. Ropes and planks were im- 
mediately thrown to him, but, being heavily clothed, the swift current 
swept him under. 

Rev. W. H. Weinland has been appointed teacher of the Government 
school, but as they have communication with the outside world only 
once a year, no reports can be expected from him before the fall of 1880. 

He has also been commissioned by the Government to establish and 
maintain a Signal Service station at that point. 

NUSHAGAK RIVER. 

A contract has been entered into with the Moravians for the estab- 
lishment of a school at P'ort Alexander. The teachers selected are Mr. 
and Mrs. F. E. Wolff and Miss B. Bradley, M. D. The buildings are 
to be erected this coming summer and the school commenced in 1887. 

* Since this report was written uews has been received of the death of Mr. Sims. 
Rev. Octavius Parker, an Episcopal clergyman in Oregon, has been selected to take 
Ms place. He will be stationed at Saint Michaels. 



30 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

THE PRIBILOFF ISLANDS. 

Ou the 1st of May, J 870, Congress leased for twenty years to the 
Alaska Commercial Company the islands of Saint Paul and Saint George 
in Bering Sea. By the terms of the lease the company is bound to 
maintain a school on each island for eight months in each year. 

Through the courtesy of the United States Treasury Department, we 
are able to give full educational reports from those islands. (See Ap- 
pendix G.) From these reports it will be seen that earnest efforts are 
being made to educate and civilize the natives; that school attendance 
is obligatory, and 98 per cent, of the chiklren of school age are reported 
in attendance. 

INDUSTRIAL TRAINING. 

Into all these schools, with the exception of those on the Pribiloff 
Islands, which are not under control of this Bureau, industrial exer- 
cises are being introduced as rapidly as possible. Arrangements are 
already provided by which the girls on two afternoons of each week shall 
be instructed in sewing and kitchen work, and plans are under way for 
a similar training of boys in the use of tools. This is but a beginning. 
As the purpose of the school is to develop an intelligent and useful 
citizenship, they will need more and more to extend their industrial 
facilities. As the people make progress, catch the spirit of civilization, 
and come under the influences which emanate from the schools, they 
gradually begin to give up their old methods of living and adopt the 
American. This is especially the case among the native and semi-civil- 
ized population. One by one they saw out an opening in the window- 
less walls of their houses and insert sash and glass. One after another 
purchases a cook stove. Ko longer content to eat off the floor out of a 
common iron pot, tables and dishes, knives and forks are procured. 
Then comes a bedstead, and the bedding is taken from the floor. Warm, 
comfortable store clothes take the place of the inconvenient, uncomfort- 
able blanket. Thus slowly and gradually through the influence of the 
schools the population is raised in the scale of civilization. But all this 
creates a necessity for a larger income and more remunerative employ- 
ments. The income that was sufflcient when the family ate off the 
ground without dishes, cooked over a fire without a chimney, and slept 
on the floor under skins of wild beasts, is not sufficient to purchase 
cook stoves, dishes, tables, chairs, bedsteads, &c. Therefore to create 
the want without enabling them to supply it, is only to make them more 
miserable. 

As instruction necessarily creates new wants, and is so intended by 
the Government, it is but proper that instruction should go farther and 
so train the hand that the newly created wants can be supplied. Or, 
in other words, the work of the Alaska school system is not only to 
teach reading, writing, and arithmetic, but also how to live better, how 
to make more money in order to live better, and how to utilize the re- 
sources of the country in order to make more money. 

The special resources of Alaska, in addition to her fur-bearing ani- 
mals, are her vast supply of fish and minerals, and in the southeastern 
section, great forests. There will also in the southeastern section be more 
and more the production of garden vegetables and the smaller fruits. 
Therefore, her schools should eventually teach the best methods of ex- 
tracting stumps, grading and ditching land and preparing it for culti- 
vation, the vegetables best adapted to the country and the best method 
of cultivating them, the berries and fruits best adapted to the climate, 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 31 

and how they should be treated, tree planting and grafting, the devel- 
opment of the native fruits, also cattle, hog, and poultry raising, and 
butter and cheese making in regions along the warm southern coast. 

The rising young men of Alaska should be taught the cutting and 
rafting of logs, the running of saw-mills, carpentering, coopering, furni- 
ture making, and all kinds of wood-working. To this they will take 
readily and naturally, for they and their fathers before them have been 
noted for their skill in certain mechanical arts, the manufacture of 
canoes, and carving wood, stone, and metal with their rude, native 
tools. 

As fish is another of the commercial commodities of the country, and 
one which will furnish its inhabitants with an ample and reliable means 
of support, the boys should be instructed in the names, habits, and 
commercial value of the various kinds of fish found in their waters, 
improved methods of taking and preparing them for market, the making 
and mending of nets, the management and repair of boats, rope-splicing 
and sail-making, swimming, and naval drill, with some instruction in 
the tides and in the use of the compass. They should also be taught 
how to treat accidents, such as gunshot wounds and drowning. 

The girls should be familiarized with the use of kitchen utensils and 
exercised in the best methods of cooking meats, fish, and vegetables, 
the preparation of corned, smoked, and pickled meats and fish, the dry- 
ing and preserving of berries and care of winter vegetables, making 
yeast and baking bread, the care of milk with butter and cheese mak- 
ing, the proper care of storeroom and pantry, the setting, waiting upon, 
and clearing off tables, orderly arrangement of furniture and simple 
adorning of walls, cleaning and care of lamps, cutting and making of 
clothes, changing, mending, and patching of garments, knitting and 
darning of socks, practice on the sewing-machine, washing and ironing, 
making of lye, soft soap, starch, &c. 

MOKAL TRAINING. 

The training of the schools should be extended to the heart as well as 
mind and hand. In sections of Alaska the uncivilized natives are ac- 
customed to herd in large houses, with several families occupying the 
same room and cooking around a common fire. Among some of these 
families polygamy prevails, and sometimes, not often, a woman is found 
with two or more husbands. The children grow up amid filth and un- 
cleanliness, accustomed to impnre sights and conversation, and system- 
atically taught to lie and steal. To them there is no wrong or disgrace 
in it. It is only disgraceful in being caught, as that seems to be a re- 
flection on their skill ; they should have been smarter, li^ephews in- 
herit their uncle's wives and his property as well, so that many a boy 
is married to a toothless old aunt. In these same homes are taught, and 
sometimes even yet practiced, the horrible cruelties of witchcraft. 

In some of the schools nearly all of the children come from such abodes ; 
and the teacher that would be true to his mission and accomplish the 
most good must give prominence to moral as well as intellectual in- 
struction. He must tr^- to educaj;e them out of and away from the 
training of their home-life. They need to be taught that both the law 
of God and the law of the land forbid more than one man and one 
woman living together as husband and wife, that' each family should 
have a separate home, however small, that lying, stealing, and impurity 
of speech and behavior are alike otieuses against God and man, and 
that these vices are not only destructive to society but a disgrace to 



32 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

themselves. The education demaucled in Ahiskais tlie moral, intellect- 
ual, and physical training- of the i)eoi)le at one and the same time— the 
gradual ui)lifting of the whole man. All of this may not be attainable 
at once, or even ultimately in every one of the schools. But a begin- 
ning can be made in all of them, and the brightest and most promising 
children can be advanced into the larger training schools, where they 
can be taught trades and prepared to earn a comi)etent 8U])port. 

One such higher school is in existence at Sitka, and it is proposed to 
establish a second at Unalashka, 1,278 miles farther west. 

OBLIGATORY ATTENDANCE. 

The schools of Alaska are established, with but two or three excep- 
tions, among a half-civilized people. It has long been known iii educa- 
tional circles that the greater the ignorance and the lower the condition 
of parents, the less they appreciate the importance of education for 
their children, and the greater the need of outside pressure to oblige 
them to send their children regularly to school. It is of no use to es- 
tablish schools if the childien do not attend, and many will not attend 
unless it is made obligatory on them. This is true of mau.y in enlight- 
ened communities and much more so in nncivilized ones. If Congress 
wisely provides school facilities for the children of Alaska, it should 
go further and make their attendance at those schools obligatory, for in 
no other way can the best results of the appropriation be secured, and 
in no other way can the highest interests of the children themselves be 
subserved. Such laws have been enacted in the States of California, 
Connecticut, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, iS'evada, 
New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode 
Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin; also in the Territories of Arizona, 
Dakota, New Mexico, Washington, and Wyoming; also in the District 
of Columbia. In foreign lands compulsory-attendance laws exist, in 
England, Scotland, France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Italy, Sweden, 
Denmark, Switzerland, Roumelia, and Japan, These laws have not 
only increased the attendance upon the schools, but also greatly in- 
creased the prosperity and welfare of the states enforcing them. 

Alaska, without a territorial legislature to enact laws, api)eals directly 
to Congress for a judicious law making attendance upon the Govern- 
ment schools obligatory. 

SCHOOL BUILDINGS. 

On account of the small ajjpropriation made for the commencement 

'of schools in Alaska, it was not deemed wise to attempt much in the 

way of building. As a consequence, not a single Government school 

in Alaska owns the building it occupies, and, with but two exceptions, 

not a single school has a comfortable building adapted to its necessities. 

The ])resent Congress should be asked to so enlarge its appropriation 
for education that suitable buildings.can be erected this coming season 
at Sitka, Wrangell, Juneau, Killisuoo, Klawack, Kadiak, Unalashka, 
Belkoffski, and Unga. 

TRANSPORTATION. 

As is well known to the Department, there is no public way of reach- 
ing the settlements of Alaska west of Sitka. It was expected last sum- 
mer that transportation would be furnished by the U. S. S. Pinta. Cir- 
cumstances i)revented her expected cruise. Arrangements for the trip 
this coming summer should be more definitely fixed, and provision made 
not only for the general agent, but also for such teachers, together with 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 33 

their families ami supplies, as may be sent. If satisfactory arrange- 
ments cannot be made with the Navy Department, tlien I would recom- 
mend the charter of a suitable schooner with auxiliaiy steam i)ower. 
As it is at present, of the fourteen pUuies where schools exist or are 
soon to be established, only four can be reached by the monthly mail 
steamer. If a monthly, or even a quarterly, mail line coufd be estab- 
lished between Sitka aud Uualashka, then five additional schools could 
be reached with regularity. 

SCHOOL SUPPLIES. 

The extension of the mail line to Unalashka would also greatly assist 
in furnishing the several schools with requisite supplies. iSo far, on 
account of diflSculty of transportation, but limited supplies have been 
attempted. Those sent to Haines were carried 200 miles in a frail log 
canoe not over 2J feet wide and 2 feet deep ; those to Hoonah, 130 miles, 
and those to Jackson, 200 miles, also by canoes. The attempt to send 
to Kadiak, 033 miles, in a small schooner, resulted in disaster and great 
danger to life. 

Four of the schools can receive no further supplies until next summer. 

Owing to the distance and expense of transporting school seats from 
the States (2,000 to 3,0(K) miles), by direction of the Department I gave 
the contract for making desks and blackboards to the superintendent 
of the training-school at Sitka, Alaska. The Government receives a 
good, !?ubstantial desk, the school is encouraged by securing funds for 
the purchase of additional tools and machinery, and the boys are stim- 
ulated by the thought that they are not playing work, but really ac- 
complishing something. 

TEACHERS. 

In accordance with the instructions of the Department only those of 
the higher grade of certificates have been employed as permanent 
teachers. In some instances teachers of less skill have been employed 
temporarily until others can be procured. 

In a few places, where they can have a home in a private family, it 
will be proper to employ unmarried ladies; but in the larger number 
of places the teacher should be a married man and accompanied by his 
wife. Especially is this the case in the native villages, where the school 
aims to lift the whole community out of their old methods into those oi 
civilization. In such communities a well-ordered household is an object 
lesson of great power. 

teachers' INSTITUTE. 

The circumstances of a teacher separated from all others for twelve 
months, among a half-civilized people using a foreign tonyue, are so 
peculiar that it is not strange that they find a want not fully supplied 
by the training of the best normal schools, nor would it be strange 
they became greatly depressed in their w-ork. 

I consider it, therefore, of great importance to hold a two weeks' in 
stitute, that an opi)ortunity be given them of assembling once a year 
to cheer one another, compare view\s, discuss methods, and glean from 
the experience of those similarly situated with themselves. The rea- 
sons which make teachers' institutes so essential and useful in the older 
sections of the country operate here with greatly added power. During 
7018 AL 3 



M 



EDUCATION IX ALASKA. 



the long summer vacation isoiiie of tlie teachers in Southeastern Alaska, 
at least, can be assembled at an institute, and I would recommend that 
a small sum for exi)enses be allowed out of the school ai)i)ioiniatiou. 



• CO-OPERATION WITH RELIGIOUS BODIES. 

As some of the '^^ve-.M missionary oroanizations of the United States 
have commenced work in this vast Territory, and others are iireparing- 
to do so, it has been deemed wise to arrange with them for co operation 
in the work of establishing- schools. Where the teacher and the mis- 
sionary and their families are the only white people in a lar.ue section 
of country — the only representatives of the civilization of the States 
and dependent upon one another for assistance in times of sickness, for 
encouragement, and for society in their isolation — it is simple common 
sense to believe that the more congenial they are, and the more fully 
they hold common views, the more etMcient and successful each will be 
in his separate work. Hence, whenever a missionary organ izatiou has 
been alone in a large section it has seemed right as far as possible to se- 
lect teachers from that communion, it being distinctly understood by 
the several missionary organizations that it is the purpose of the Gov- 
ernment to i)rovide nonsectarian instruction in the i>ublic schools and 
leave all persons to the fullest exercise ot th.eir religious liberty. Assur- 
ances of their desire to co operate with the (xovernment in the schools 
have been received from the Episcopal, Moravian, Methodist, Baptist, 
Presbyterian, and Congregational bodies. Interviews have also been 
held with the lepresentatives of the Koman Catholic body. Up to the 
present time, however, arraugemeiits have been effected and work com- 
menced only by the E[)iscopalians, Presbyterians, and Moravians. Co- 
operation with others is hoiked for during the coming season. 

NATIONAL AID TO EDUCATION AND ITS BEARING ON ALASKA. 

In view of the coming discussion in Congress of the "Blair bill," I 
deem it important to offer the following preliminary estimate respecting- 
the illiterate population of Alaska between the ages of 10 and 2b years, 
both inclusive, and to recite the considerations which have led me to 
the conclusion below set forth. 

Mr. Ivan Petroff"'s enumeration of the population of Alaska (page 33 
of his special report, in United States Census of 1880, Vol. VIII) is as 
follows: 



Sivisiona. 


Total. 


White. 


Creole. 


Eskimo. 


■ , . Atha 


Thlinget. 


Hydah. 




3,094 

6,870 
8,911 
2,451 
4 352 






3,094 










is 

3 

82 

34 

293 


' 19 


4 27fi 


2,557 

255 i 506 
1,890 i 






Ku,skokwim 


\\l ' s' nsfi 






479 
917 


' 








2,211 


1 864 


326 
6,437 




Southeastern 

Total :,. 


7,748 


230 


788 








33, 426 


430 


1,756 


17, 617 


2, 145 i 3, 927 


6,763 


788 



Mr. Petroff does not discriminate between the sexes or the several 
ages of the population; but we may assume that the conditions as to 
sex do not differ materially from those existing in the adjacent "terri- 
tories and Arctic islands" belonging to the Dominion of Canada, where 
the British census of 1881 reported 28,113 males and 28,333 temales. 
The partial returns made by Kussiau ofiicials from 1818 to 18(31, quoted 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 



35 



iu Mr. Petrofif's paper, give nearly the same proportion of the sexes^ 
each being about half the population. 

The proportion of minors to adults, as understood by the officials of 
the United States census and by statistical wiiters of recent date ia 
this country, is not indicated by any of the statistics quated by Mr.. 
Petroff'. The nearest approach to such a distinction is that made in the 
partial census of 1839 by the Hudson Bay Company and quoted on pp. 
30, 37 of :Mr. Petroff's report. The free natives thus reported numbered 
4,121 "adults" and 2,439 ''children"; but the circumstances of that cen- 
sus indicate that stature, strength, and child-i>ro(lucing ca])acity may- 
have had Hjuch more to do with the assignment of many individuals 
to the "adults" rather than to the "children." 

I, for these reasons, venture to estiiuate the population of Alaska as 
to age by the enumeration of the population of Washington Territory,, 
the organized Territory nearest to Alaska, with the following result: 



Minors under 10. 



Territories. 



Minors, 10 to 20. | Adults, 21 and over. 



Number. 



Washington . 
Alaska 



7.^ 116 ' 
33,426 i 



19, 396 
8,631 



Per 
cent. 



25.8 



Number. 



Per 
cent. 



Number. 



15, .'■)o3 ) 
6, 921 5 



40, 167 

17, 874 



Per 
cent. 



In the year 1880 the condition of affairs was about as follows : 
The 430 whites mentioned iu Mr. Petroff's enumeration were fairly- 
instructed adults ; about 800 of the Creoles, or Russo- Alaskans, men- 
tioned were able to write, nearly all of these being adults. 

Of the Alaskan races 1 estimate that the number able to write was 
as follows: Aleuts, 500; Thlinget, 200; Hydah, 100; making 800 more 
such persons. There were, therefore, about 2,030 persons to be de- 
ducted from the estimated population ten or more years old, leaving 
22,765 persons ten or more years old unable to write at that time. 

STATISTICS. 

SCHOOL AT JUNEAU. 

[Miss Marion B. Murphy, teacher.] 



Monthly attendance. 



Date. 



Total 
attendance. 



June, 1885 

July, 1885 

August, 1885 ... 
September, 1885 
October, 18h5 . . . 
November, 1885 
December, 1885. 
January, 1886 . . 
February, 1886 . 

March, 1886 

April, 1886 

May, 1886 

Juiie, 1886 



Average 
attendance. 



Boys. 


Girls. 


40 


II 


23 


18 


12 


18 


16 


22 


15 


51 


39 


41 


35 


41 


28 


43 


29 


43 


• 31 


28 


24 


21 


20 


15 


17 



Adults. 



36 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 



Statistics — Continued. 

SCHOOL NO. 1, SITKA. 

[Miss Margaret Powell, teacher.] 



Date. 



Jane, 1«85 

.J«ly, 1685 

August, 1885 ... 
^September, 1885 
■'October, 1885... 
3S^oveniber, 1885 
"December, 1885 . 
-January, 1886 . . 
February, 1886 . 
Jtfarch, 1886 .... 

April, 1886 

Jtf ay, 1886 

June, 1886 



Monthly attendance. 



Total 


Average 


Boys. 


attendance. 


attendance. 


17 


16 


11 


31 


19 


21 


22 


14 


15 


22 


16 


16 


26 


21 


16 


34 


27 


23 


31 


27 


19 


43 


29 


24 


44 


39 


21 


43 


35 


25 


37 


28 


22 


51 


26 


26 


46 


37 


24 



Girls. 



SCHOOL AT FORT WRANGELL. 

[Miss Lydia McAvoy, teacher.] 



September, 1885 1 41 

■October, 1885 i • 53 

3fovember, 1885 : 70 

'December, 1885 ' 69 

-January, 1886 65 

•February, 1886 '• 67 

March, 1886 | 47 

April, 1886 | 35 

'MsLV, 1886 j 39 

•June, 1886 1 33 

I 



SCHOOL ATi JACKSON. 
[Miss Clara Gould, teacher.] 



•September, 1885 i 59 

•October, 1885 78 

T^ovember, 1885 76 

December, 1885 •■ 87 

January, 1886 ' 77 

February, 1886 i 84 

•March, i8R6 1 35 

April, 1886 j 30 

May, 1886 13 



20 


30 


36 


30 


29 


29 


37 


33 


30 


30 


3L 


35 


15 


13 


16 


10 


5 


7 



SCHOOL AT HAINES. 
[Miss Sarah M. Dickinson, teacher.] 



September, 1885 40 

October, 1885 77 

November, 1885 68 

December, 1885 81 

January, 1886 | 84 

February, 1886 88 

March, 1886 91 

April, 1886 106 

May, 1886 106 



13 


10 


8 


26 


22 


19 


53 


29 


25 


74 


35 


27 


73 


36 


26 


77 


36 


26 


78 


37 


28 


82 


43 


37 


58 


43 


37 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 



3T 



Siatislics — Continued. 

HOONAH SCHOOL. 

[John W. McFarland, teacher.] 



Date. 



September, 1885 . 
October, 1885* .. 
November, 1885 . 
December, 1885.. 
January, 1886 ... 
February, 1886 . . 
March, i886t 



Monthly attendance. 



Total i Average 
attendance, attendance. 



39 



19 



68 
101 
117 
115 
115 



Boya. 



19 



Girls. AdaUs^ 



20 



* No school on account of a drunken spree of the natives. 
Total enrollement np to March 3 was 165. 

SCHOOL AT UNALASHKA. 

[Salomon Ripinsky, teacher.] 



t Estimated. 



October, 1885 .. 
November, 1885 
December, 1885. 
January, 1886 . . 
February. 1886 . 
March, 1886 .... 

April, 1886 

May. 1886 

June, 1886 



SCHOOL AT SITKA, NO. 2. 
[Miss Kate A. Rankin teacher to March 15, 1886; Miss Elizabeth Pattou teacher after March 15,1886.5 



December. 1885 77 

January, 1886 1 77 

February, 1886 i 76 

March, 1886 i 56 

April, 1886 56 

May, 1886 53 

June, 1886 1 48 



SCHOOL AT KILLISNOO. 
[George B. Johnston, teacher.] 



February, 1886 
March, i886 ... 
April, 1886 . . . . 

May, 1886 

June, 1886 



1? 
10" 
11 

» 



Summary of monthly attendance at th^ public schools in Alaska — 1885-'86, 



Place. 


i 

>-> 






1 


o 
O 


> 
o 
'A 


6 
Q 


i 

1-5 




i 


P< 


& 
3 


1 




75 
17 


46 
31 


30 
22 


34 
22 
41 
59 
40. 


37 
26 
53 

78 
77 
45 


90 
34 
70 
76 
68 
44 


76 
31 
69 
87 
81 
44 
77 
101 


67 
43 

65 
77 
84 
44 
77 
117 


72 
44 
07 
84 
88 
43 
76 
115 


74 
43 
47 
35 
91 
40 
56 
165 


.52 
37 
35 
30 
106 
36 
56 


41 
51 
39 
13 
106 
35 
53 


32 


Sitka, No. 1 

Fort "Wrangell 


4& 
33i 




























35. 


Sitka No. 2 


1 






4& 








89 




08 


















1 




..1 






50 
58 


30 
58 


34 


24 


32 






1 













1 1 { 








1 



S8 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

^ lu connection with this report I have the honor of inclosing you sev- 
•eral important papers. As tliey furnish vahiable information concern- 
iug the history and progress of school work in this section and some of 
the conditions wLich more or less modify it, I would recommend that 
they be printed as an a|)pendix. 

Through the courtesy of the United States Coast and Geodetic Sur- 
Tey I inclose two maps to accompany the report. These maps are the 
only ones in existence that give the location of all the schools. As they 
embody the late explorations of Lieutenant Kay, 1881-'83; Lieutenant 
Schwatka, 1883; Lieutenant Stoney, 18h3-'85; and Lieutenant Allen, 
1885, tbey will be of great interest to the public and prove an important 
contribution to geographical history. 

I also inclose a few photographic illustrations, showing the location 
of some of tlie schools, the appearance of the Eskimo on the Kuskokwim 
Kiver, and their surroun<lings. 

Thanking you for the firm and intelligent support you have given me, 
I remain, with great respect, yours truly, 

SUELDON JACKSOX. 

General Agent. 

The Hon. Commissioner of Education, 

Washington, I). C. 



Appendix A. 

CIVIL GOVERNMENT FOR ALASKA. 
[Extract from the report of the Commisaioner of Education, 1882-"83, pages xlv and xlvi.] 

As this report is going through the press, the House of Representatives, on the 14th 
of May, 1884, passed the Senate l)ill providing a civil government for Alaska, which 
"was signed by the President on the 17th. 

This act creates a governor at a salary of $3,000, a judge at $3,000, a district attor- 
-ney at $2,500, a marshal at lji'2,.500, a clerk at $2,500, four commissioners at $1,000 each 
;and fees, and four deputy marshals at $750 each and fees. 

These officers are appointed by the President, with the exception of the deputy mar- 
shals, who are appointed by the marshal. 

The seat of government is Cvstablished at Sitka. The four coramis.sioners and four 
deputy mar.shals are to reside respectively at Sitka, Wrangell, .Tuneau, and Unalashka. 

Tbe laws of Oregon, so far as applicable, are extended over the district. A term of 
-the district court is to be held each year at Sitka, commencing on the first Monday 
■of May, and one at Wrangell, beginning im the tirst Monday in November. No pro- 
"visiou is made for a Territorial legislature or a delegate in Congress. The general 
laud laws of the United States aro not extended over the couutry. Tbe squatter 
rights of Indians and others are recognized. Mission stations are continued in the 
occupancy of the 640 acres now claimed by them. The owners of mining claims can 
rperfect their titles in the usual way. 

The governor is required to inquire into the operations of the Ala.ska Commercial 
■Company and annually report to Congress the result of such inquiries and any and 
all violations by said company of the agreement existing between the United States 
^nd said company. 

The Secretary of the Interior is directed to select two of the otficers, who, together 
■with the governor, shall constitute a commission to examine into and report upon the 
•condition of tbe Indians residing in said Territory; what lands, if any, shoitld be re- 
•ses'ved for their use ; what provision shall be made for their education : what rights 
fby occupation of settlers should be recognized, and all other facts that nuiy be neces- 
:saTy to enable Congress to determine what limitations or conditions sbould be im- 
posed when the land laws of the Cuited States shall be extended to sai<l district. 

The importation, manufacture, and sale of intoxicating liquors in said district, ex- 
cept for medicinal, mechanical, and scientific purposes, are prohibited. 

The Secretary of the Interior is directed to make needful and proper provision for 
the education of the children of school age in the Territory of Alaska, without ref- 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 39 

ereuce to race, until such time as permanent ])iovision shall he made for the same, 
and the sum ol' $25,000 is appioiniated for this purpose. 

Thus, after seventeen years of delay, a j^overiiiiient has heen secured for Alaska. In 
respect to this successful result this Uuieau has endeavored to do its whole duty hy 
ohtaining trustworthy information in regard to the condition of the inhabitants and 
their educational needs, and by furnishing it to the Government officers and to the 
people. In this effort Prof. W. H. Dall, of the United States Coast Survey, and Rev. 
G. H. Atkinson, D. I)., of Uregou, were especially helpful. 

The report of this olitice for 1870 had a notice of education in Alaska, and year after 
year these notices were continued as data warranted. 

In IbTfi the Commissioner of Education, as re])resentative of the Department of the 
Interior, expended a jiortiou of the funds at his control to secure a representation of 
native life in Alaska foi- the Centennial Ex])ositiou at Philadel|)hia. 

In February, 1H82, a special rei)ort from this office oa Education in Alaska, recom- 
mending an a|)pro])riation of .'f.'SO.OOO for schools, was made to the Secretary of the In- 
terior, and by liim forwarded to Congress ttnt>iigh the Presidenl. 

In 1877 Kev. Sheldon Jackson, D. D., superintendent of Presbyterian missions for 
the Rocky Mountain Territories, having had his attention called to Alaska, visited 
the southeastern ])ortion, and established the first American school in that section on 
the lOth o iAugust, 1877, with Mrs. A. K. McFarhuid as teachei-. Later, he ('stal)lished 
schools at Sitka, Haines (Chilkats), Boyd (Hoonah^), and Jackson (Hydalis). Re- 
turning to the States, Dr. .Jackson commenced an agitation to arouse the dormant 
public sentiment of the country in behalf of a government and schools for Alaska. 
He held public meetings in many of the leading cities and nniny of the ])rominent 
towns from the Pacific to the Atlantic, delivering from 1878 to 1884 about nine hun- 
dred a<ldresses on Alaska. He went b^fore committees of the Forty-sixth, Forty-sev- 
enth, and Forty-eighth Congiesses, and with unflagging zeal sought to enlist the in- 
terest of Congressmen. He .secured the hearty co-operation of the missionary societies 
of the Baptist, Methodist, Congregational, Episcopal, Moravian, and Presbyterian 
churches. 

In 18f<0 he published a book on Alaska, and on March '23, 1882, delivered an address 
before the Dej)artment of Superintendence of the National E<lucational .Association, 
■which was printed by this JSureau in Circular of Inforniatiou No. 2, 18-'2. Of this 
circular three editions have been called for, making an aggregate of 60,000 cojties. 
During the summer of 1^83 he visited the twenty-second annual meeting <if the Na- 
tional Educational Association of the United States, the second National Educational 
Assembly, and the State Teachers' Associations of Vermont, New Hampshire, Massa- 
chusetts, and Connecticut, each of whicli passed strong resolutions asking Congress 
to provide a school .system for Alaska. 

Through these meetings the teachers became interested, and thousands of petitions 
from teachers, scattered from Maine to Texas and from Florida to Oregon, were sent 
to Congressmen, asking for schools for Alaska. So ])ersisteiit and continuous was the 
pressure invoked by Dr. Jackson fr(mi so many, varied, iiiid widely se])arated forces, 
that when the bill was reached Congress passed it Avith great unanimity. 



Appendix B. 

AN ACT providinj; a civil governmeut for Alaska. 

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of liipreaentativen of the United States oj America 
in Conyress assembled, That tlie territory ceded to the United States by Russia by the 
treaty of March thirtieth, eighteen hundred and sixty-seven, and known as Alaska, 
shall constitute a civil and judicial district, the government of which shall be organ- 
ized and administered as hereinafter ]uovided. The temporary seat of government of 
said district is hereby established at Sirka. 

Sec. 2. That then^ shall be ap))ointed for the said district a goveriKU-, who shall 
reside therein during his term of ofiice and be charged with the interests of the 
United States Government that may arise within said district. To the end aforesaid 
he shall have antJiorily to see that the laws enacted for said distiict are enforced, and 
to refjuire the faithful discharge of their duties by the officials aiijioiiited to administer 
the same. He may also grant reprieves for offenses committed against ihelawsof 
the district or of the United States until the decision of the President thereon shall 
he made known. He shall be ex-officio commander-in-chief of the militia of said dis- 
trict, and shall have jiower to call out the same when necessary to the due execution 
of the laws and to jireservH the peace, and to cause all able-bodied citizens of the 
United Srates in said district to enroll and serve as such when the i)ul)li(; exigency 
demands ; and Iiq shall perform generally in and over said district such acts as pertain 



40 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

to the office of goveiuor of a Territory, so far as the same may be made or become 
applicable thereto. He shall make an annual rejiort, on the first day of October la 
each year, to the President of the United States, of his official acts and doinjjs, and of 
the condition of said district, with refeience to its resonrces, indnstrios, jiopnlation, 
and the administration of the civil government thereof. And the President of the 
United States shall have i)o\ver to review and to confirm or annul any reprieves granted 
or other acts done by him. 

Sec. 3. That there shall be, and hereby is, established a district conrt for said dis- 
trict, with the civil and criminal jurisdiction of district courts of the United States, 
and the civil and criminal jurisdiction of district courts of the United States exercis- 
ing the jurisdiction of circuit courts, and such oiher jurisdiction, not inconsistent 
with this act, as may be established by law ; and a district judge shall be appointed 
for said district, who shall during his term of office reside therein and hold at least 
two terms of said court therein in each year, one at Sitka, beginning on the first 
Monday in May, and the other at Wrangell, beginning on the first Monday iu Novem- 
ber. He is also authorized and directed to hold such special sessions as may be neces- 
sary for the dispatcli of the business of said court, at such times aud places in said 
district as he may deem expedient, and may adjourn such special session to any other 
time previous to a regular session. He shall have authority to employ interpreters, 
and to make allowances for the necessary expenses of his court. 

Sec. 4. That a clerk shall be appointed for said court, who shall be ex-officio sec- 
retary aud treasurer of said district, a district attorney, and a marshal, all of whom 
shall during their terms of office reside therein. The clerk shall record and i)re8erve 
co})ies of all the laws, proceedings, aud official acts applicable to said district. He 
shall also receive all moneys collected from tines, forfeitures, or iu any other manner 
except from violations of the custom laws, and shall apply the same to the incidental 
expen.ses of the said district court and the allowances thereof, as directed by the judge 
of said court, and shall account for the same in detail, and for any balances on ac- 
count thereof, quarterly, to and under the direction of the Secretary of the Treasury. 
He shall be ex-officio recorder of deeds aud mortgages and certificates of location of 
mining claims and other contracts relating to real estate and register of wills for said 
district, aud shall establish secure offices iu the towns of Sitka and Wrangell, in said 
district, for the safekeepiug of all his official records, and of records concerning the 
reformation and establishment of the present status of titles to lands, as hereinafter 
directed : Providid, That the district court hereby created may direct, if it shall deem 
it expedient, the establishment of separate offices at the settlements of Wrangell, 
Unalashka, and Juneau City, respectively, for the recording of such instruments as 
may pertain to the several natural divisions of said district most convenient to said 
settlements, the limits of which shall, iu the eveut of such direction, be defined by 
said court; and said offices shall l)e in charge of the commissioners respectively, as 
hereinafter provided. 

Sec. 5. That there shall be appointed by the President four commissioners in and 
for the said district who shall have the jurisdiction and powers of coinuiissiouers of 
the United States circuit courts iu any part of said district, but who shall reside, one 
at Sitka, one at Wrangell one at Unalaslika, and one at Juneau City. Such commis- 
siouers shall exercise all the duties aud powers, civil and criminal, now conferred on 
justices of the peace under the general laws of the State of Oregon, so far as the same 
may be applicable in said district, and may not be in conflict with this act or the laws 
of the United States. They shall als > have jurisdiction, subject to the supervision of 
the district judge, iu all testamentary and probate matters, aud for this purpose their 
courts shall be opened at stated terms and be courts of record, aud be provided with 
a seal for the authentication of their official acts. They shall also have power to 
grant writs of habeas corpus for the purpose of inquiring into the cause of restraint 
of liberty, which writs shall be made returnable before the said district judge for said 
district ; and like proceedings shall be had thereon as if the same had been granted 
by said judge uuder the general laws of the United States in such cases. Said com- 
missioners shall also haA'e the powers of notaries public, aud shall keep a record of all 
deeds aud other iustruments of writing acknowledged before them aud relating to 
the title to or transfer of projierty within said district, which record shall be subject 
to public inspection. Said commissioners shall also keep a record of all fines and for- 
feitures received by them, aud shall pay over the same quarterly to the clerk of said 
district court. The governor appointed uuder the provisions of this act shall, from 
time to time, inquire into the operations of the Alaska Seal and Fur Company, and 
shall annually rejiort to Congress the result of such inquiries and any and all viola- 
tions by said company of the agreement existing between the United States and said 
company. 

Sec. 6. That the marshal for said district shall have the general authority and 
powers of the United States marshals of the States and Territories. He shall be the 
executive officer of said court, and charged with the execution of all jirocess of said . 
court and with the transportation aud custody of prisoners, and he shall be ex-officio 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 41 

keeper of the jail or peuiteutiary of said district. He shall appoint four deimties, who 
shall reside severally at the towns of Sitka, Wrangell, Unalashka, and Juneau City, 
and they shall respectively bo ex-ot'ticio constables ancf executive officers of the com- 
missioners' courts herein. provided, and shall have the powers and discharge the duties 
of United States deputy marshals, and those of constables under the laws of the State^ 
of Oregon now in force. 

Sec. 7. That the gener,il laws of the State of Oregon now in force are hereby de- 
clared to be the law in said district, so far as the same may be applicable and not in 
conflict with tlie ]>rovisions of this act or the laws of the United States; and the sen- 
tence of imprisonment in any criminal case shall be carried out by conlinemeut in the 
jail or penitentiary hereinafter provided for. Eut the said district court shall have ex- 
clusive jurisdiction in all cases in equity or those involving a question of title to land, 
or mining rights, or the constitutionality of a law, and in all criminal offenses which 
are capital. In all civil cases, at common law, any issue of fact shall be determined 
by a jury, at the instance of either party; and an appeal shall lie in any case, civil 
or criminal, from the judgment of said conmiis^sioners to the said district court where 
the amount involved in any civil case is two hundred dollars or more, and in any 
criminal case where a fine of more than one hundred dollars or imprisonment is im- 
posed, upon the filing of a sufficient appeal bond by the party appealing, to be ap- 
proved by the court or commissioner. Writs of error in criminal cases shall issue to 
the said district court from the United States circuit court for the district of Oregon 
in the cases provided in chapter one hundred and seventy-six of the laws of eighteen 
hundred and seventy-nine ; and the jurisdiction thereby conferred upon' circuit courts 
is hereby given to the circuit court of Oregon. And the final judgments or decrees of 
said circuit and district court may be reviewed by the Supreme Court of the United 
States as in other cases. 

Sec. S. That the said district of Alaska is hereby created a land district, and a 
United States land-office for said district is hereby located at Sitka. The conmiis- 
sioner provided for by this act to reside at Sitka shall be ex-officio register of said 
laud-office, and the clerk provided for by this act shall be ex-officio receiver of pub- 
lic moneys, and the marshal provided for by this act shall be ex-officio surveyor gen- 
eral of said district, and the laws of the United States relating to mining claims, and 
the rights incident thereto, shall, from and after the passage of this act, be in full 
force and effect in said district, under the administration thereof herein provided for, 
subject to such regulations as may be made by the Secretary of the Interior, approved 
by the President: Provided, That the Indians or other persons in said district shall 
not be disturbed in the possession of any lands actually in their use or occupation or 
now claimed by them, but the terms under which such persons may acquire title to 
such lands is reserved for future legislation by Congress: And provided farther^ That 
parties who have located mines or mineral privileges therein under the laws of the 
United States applicable to the public don.ain, or who have occupied and improved or 
exercised acts of ownership over such claims, shall not be disturbed therein, but shall 
be allowed to i)erfect their title to such claims by payment as aforesaid : And pro- 
vided also. That the land not exceeding six hundred and forty acres at any station 
now occupied as missionary stations among the Indian tribes in said section, with the 
improvements thereon erected by or for such societies, shall be continued in the oc- 
cupancy of the several religious societies to which said missionary stations respect- 
ively belong until action by Congress. But nothing contained in this act shall be 
construed to put in force in said (listrict the general land laws of the United States. 

Sec. 9. That the governor, attorney, judge, marshal, clerk, and commissioners pro- 
vided for in this act shall be appointed by the President of the United States, by and 
with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall hold their respective offices for 
the term of four years, and until their successors are appointed and qualified. They 
shall severally receive the fees of office established by law for the several offices the 
duties of which liave been hereby conferred upon them, as the same are determined 
and allowed in respect of similar offices under the laws of the United States, which 
fees shall be reported to the Attorney-General and paid into the Treasury of the 
United States. They shall receive respectively the following animal salaries : The 
governor, the sum of three thousand dollars; the attorney, the sum of two thousand 
five hundred dollars; the marshal, the sum of two thousand live hundred dollars; 
the judge, the sum of three thousand dollars; and the clerk, the sum of two thousand 
five hundred dollars, payable to them quarterly from the Treasury of the United 
States. The district judge, marshal, and district attoruey shall be paid their actual, 
necessary expenses when traveling in the discharge of their official duties. A detailed 
account shall be rendered of such expenses under oath, and asto the marshal and dis- 
trict attoruey such account shall be approved by the judge, and as to his expenses by 
the Attorney-General. The commissioners shall receive the usual fees of United States 
commi.'-sioners and justices of the peace for Oregon, and such fees for recording in- 
struments as are allowed by the laws of Oregon for similar services, and in addition 
a salary of one thousand dollars each. The deputy marshals, in addition to the usual 



42 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

fees of coustablea in Oregon, shall receive each a salary of seven hundred and fifty 
dollars, which salaries shall also be ])ayaltle (iiiarterly our. of the Treasury of the 
United States. Each of said othcials shall, before entering on the duties of his office, 
take and subscribe an oath that he will faithfully execute the same, which said oath 
niay be taken before the judge of said district or" any United States district or circuit 
judge. That all officers appointed for said district, before entering upon the duties 
of their offices, shall take the onths required by law, and the laws of the United States, 
not locally inapplicuble to said district and not inconsistent with the provisions of 
this act, are hereby extended thereto; but there shall be no legislative assembly in 
said district, nor shall any delegate be sent to Congress tlicrefroui. And the said 
clerk shall execute a bond, with sufficient suieties, in the penalty of ten thousand 
dollars, foi' the faithful performance of his duties, and tile the sanie with the Secre- 
tary of the Treasury before entering on the duties of his office; and the commission- 
ers shall each execute a bond, with sutUcient sureties, in the ])enalty of three thou- 
sand dollars, for the fiuthful performance of their duties, and tile the sanje with the 
clerk b(rfore entering on the duties of their office. 

Skc. 10. That any of the public buildings in said district not required for the cus- 
toms service or military purposes shall be used for court-rooms ami offices of the civil 
government; and the Secretary of the Treasury is hereby directed to instruct and 
authorize the custodian of said buildings forthwith to make such repairs to the jail in 
the town of Sitka, in said district, as will render it suitable for a jail and peniteutiary 
for the purposes of the civil government hereby ])rovided, and to surrender to the 
marshal the custody of said jail and the other ))ublic buildings, or such i)arts of said 
buildings as may be selected for court-rooms, offices, and officials. 

Sec. 11. That the Attorney-General is directed forthwith to compile and cause to be 
printed, in the English language, in pamphlet form, so much of the general laws of 
the United Slates as is ajiplicable to the duties of the governor, attorney, judge, clerk, 
marshals, and commissioners api)ointed for said district, and shall furnish for the use 
of the ofilicers of said Territory so many copies as may be needed of the laws of Oregon 
applical)le to said district. 

Sec. 1"2. That the Secretary of the Interior shall select two of the officers to be ap- 
pointed under this act, who, together with the governor, shall constitute a conmiis- 
•siou to examine into and report upon the condition of the Indians residing in said 
Territory, what lands, if any, should be reserved for their use, what provision shall 
be made for their education, what rights by occupation of settlers should be recog- 
nized, and all other facts that may be necessary to enable Congress to determine what 
limitations or conditions should be imposed when the land laws of the United States 
shall be extended to said district ; and to defray the expenses of said commission the 
sum of two thousand dollars is hereby appropriated out of any moneys in the Treas- 
ury not otherwise appropriated. 

Sec. 13. That the Secretary of the Interior shall make needful and i)ropeT I'rovision 
for the education of the child'ren of school age in the Territory of Alaska, without ref- 
erence to race, until such time as permanent provision shall be njade for the same, 
and the sum of twenty-five thousand dollars, or so much thereof as may be necessary, 
is hereby ai)propriated for this i)urpose. 

Sec. 14. That the provisions of chapter three, title twenty-three, of the Revised 
Statutes of the United States, relatipg to the unorganized TeVritory of Alaska, shall 
remain in full force, except as herein specially otherwise provided ; and the importa- 
tion, manufacture, and sale of intoxicating liquois in said district except for medici- 
nal, mechanical and scientific purposes is hereby prohibited under the peualties which 
are provided in section nineteen hundred and fifty-five of the Revised Statutes for the 
wrongful importation of distilled spirits. And the President of the United States 
shall make such regulations as are necessary to carry out the provisions of this section. 

Approved, May 17, 1884. 



Appendix C. 

Depaktment of the Interior, 

Washington, D. C, March 2, 1885. 

Sir: Section 13 of the act providing a civil government for Alaska devolves upon 
the Secretary of tiie Inteiior the duty of making needful and ])roper provision for 
the education of children ot school age in that Territory until permanent provision 
shall be made for the same. 

The nature of the duties assigned by section 516 of the Revised Statutes to the 
Commissioner of Education would seem to point him out as the proper officer through 
whom the purpose of Congress should be carried into execution. 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 43 

I have To request, therefore, that yon i)repare a plan of operation and initiate snch 
steps as are necessary and projjcr for carryinjj into ettcct the legislation above referred 
to, reporting the results of the same as may be hereafter directed by the Secretary of 
the Interior or whenever in yonr judgment there may be occasion for so doing. 
Verv respectfully, &c., 

II. M. TELLER, 

Secretary. 
The CoMMissiONEK OF Education. 



Appendix D. 

Departmknt of the Interior, 

Bureau of P^ducation, 
JVnsMngton, D. C, Jpril 9, 1885. 

Sir: In carrying out the orders of the Department under the law providing for the 
estaldishment of common schools in Alaska, I tind a condition of facts which I wish to 
submit t() vonr consideration, together with a recommendation. The nearest school 
in Alaska will be about 4,.">00 miles from Washington, and all of the schools will be 
widely separated from each other, some of them doubtless over (3,000 miles from this 
city. Tlie appropriation of .iji'i.j.OOO for the entire work is very small, and much should 
be done in the way of inducing the conuuunities where there is money to co-operate 
in bearing expenses, and thus increasing the amount to be accomplished by the small 
fund at connnaud. I see uo way to organize schools sulificiently under these circum- 
stances l)Mt by the appointment of some one in Alaska as a general agent of educa- 
tion. 

Residing at Sitka, this superintendent could go out in the naval vessel to visit the 
several chief centers of ])opulation where schools can be established, and iutej-est the 
people, .jndge intelligently of the requirements for buildings, teachers, »fec., and thus 
furnish the data for intelligent direction of the schools, here in Washington. I there- 
fore recommend that a general agent of education for Alaska be appointed by the 
Secretary of the Interior, to report to this ottice for orders and instrnctions, at a 
nominal salary of . 11,^00 a year, which will but little more than cover exjjenses. Be- 
fore conelnding to make this recommendation I may add that I have conferred, with 
a considerable number of very intelligent persons who have visited Alaska, all of 
whom thoronghh concnr in the view that it would be impossible to manage schools 
there etticiently without a local superintendent. 

The governor of the Territory when here recently expressed himself to the same 
effect. In looking for the projier person to become snch an a gent, I hud no one either 
so well qnalihed or so strongly recommended as Mr. Sheldon Jackson. He has re- 
peatedly visited considerable portions of the country, and written a book which is a 
popular source of information in regard to its people and their progress, and led the 
way in the establishment of the schools at present taught in the Territory, and is now 
their superintendent. He was nn.inimously fecommended for the position of snuer- 
intendent of instruction by all of the private organizations some time since aiming to 
promote education in Alaska, and by a considerable number of [irominent men. I 
have known Mr. .lackson thoroughly for a considerable number of years. He is a 
Christinn gentleman, of excellent ability, great energy, and, I believe, specially fitted 
to carry through, successfully, the plan of estal)lishing schools in that far oti' country. 
I have the honor to be, very respectfully, vour obedient servant, 

JOHN EATON. 
% Commissioner. 

The Hon. Secretary of thk Interior, 

fVa>ihi»gton, D. C. 

Approved : 

L. Q. C. Lamar, 

Secrttarij. 

Appendix E. 

national educational association. 

Officei-s for 188^-'86. 

President. — N. A. Calkins, of New York. 
Secretarij. — W. E. Sheldon, of Massiichusetts. 
Treasurer. — E. C. Hewett, of Illinois. 

Vice-Presidents. — F. Louis Soldan, of Missouri ; S. T. Dntton, of Connecticut ; James 
MacAlister, of Pennsylvania ; L. I). Brown, of Ohio ; Julius D. Dreher, of Virginia ; 



44 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

S. M. Finger, of Nortli CaroUna; Edwjinl E. Sheib, of Louisiana ; J. Baldwin, of 
Texas; J. VV. Stearns, of Wisconsin ; J. L. Pickanl, of Iowa ; Z. Richards, of the Dis- 
trict of ColuniUia ; Ella C Subin, of Oregon. 

Coii)i,selors at large.— John Eaton, of the District of Columbia ; E. E. White, of Ohio. 

Counselors. — W.J. Corthell,of ISIainc ; C. C. Ronnds, of New Hampshire; Justus 
Dart, of Vermont; Sarali E. Doyle, of Rhode Island ; Charles D. Hine, of Connecticut ; 
McLain,of New York; W. N. Barringer, of New Jersey ; H. S. Jones, of Pennsyl- 
vania ; G.Stanley Hall, of Maryland ; S. C. Armstrong, of Virginia : S. B. Brown, of 
AVest Virginia; Charles E. Taylor, of Noith Carolina; V. C. Dibble, of South Caro- 
lina; J. M. F. Irwin, of (Jeorgia; Jnlia Tntweiler, of Alabama; J. R.Preston, of Mis- 
sissippi ; K. Nicholson, of Louisiana; O. V. Hayes, of Arkansas; Clara Conway, of 
Tennessee; W, D. Parker, of Wisconsin; R. D. Allen, of Kentucky ; Robert Steven- 
sou, of Ohio; 0. S. Westcott, of Illinois; S. S. Parr, of Indiana;. Henry Sabiu, of 
Iowa; Irwin Shepard,of Minnesota ; J. S. Cowdin, of Florida ; H. C. Spear, of Kan- 
sas; E. H. Long, of Missouri ; W. VV. W. Jones, of Nebraska; John Swett of Califor- 
nia; A. Gove, of Colorado; G. C. Hall, of Arizona; F. H. Crawford, of Oregon ; J. 
M. Feudley, of Texas; J. S. Ingraham, of Washington Territory; J. M. Covner, of 
Utah; W. H. H. Beadle, of Dakota; A. S. Nichols, of Montana; John Hitz, of Dis- 
trict of Columbia ; J. H. Covell,of Indian Territory; Charles S. Young, of Nevada; 
Larkm Dunton, of Massachusetts ; W. H. Payne, of Michigan. 

At the Twenty-fifth annual session of the National Association, at Saratoga Springs, 
July 14-17, 1885, the following resolution was adopted: 

"This association rejoices to know that Congress has provided for schooling the 
children of Alaska, and that Dr. Sheldon Jackson has been designated as agent to 
organize these schools. We know of no one so well qualified as he is for this distant 
and difficult task, and we send him our heartiest greetings." 



Appendix F. 

[Extract from the report of the Hon. A. P. Swiaeford, governor of Alaska, to the Secretary of the 

Interior, 1885.] 

EDUCATION. 

The organic act approved May 17, 1884, provided an appropriation of $25,000 " for 
the education of the children of school age in the Territory of Alaska, without ref- 
erence to race," and by act of July 4, 1884, a further appropriation of $L'S,000 is 
made " for the support and education of Indian children of both sexes at industrial 
schools in Alaska." By the terms of the first-mentioued act the honorable the Secre- 
tary of the Interior is required to make such proper an<l needful provision as may be 
necessary to the proper application of the sum appropriated thereby ; but nothing 
was done in that direction until the 3d of March following, when the work of estab- 
ishing a common-school system in Alaska was committed to the Bureau of Educa- 
tion. The Hon. L. Q. C. Lamar gave early attention to the matter, after taking the 
portfolio of the Interior Department, and in April Rev. Sheldon Jackson was appointed 
general agent of education for the Territory. The general agent reports that he has, 
during the past summer, established and placed competeut teachers in charge of 
schools at Juneau, Sitka, Wrangell, Jackson, Boyd (Hoonah), Haines, and Unalashka. 
A corps of teachers has also been sent to establish schools on the Kuskokwim River, 
150 miles above where it empties into the Bering Sea. The schooner on which these 
teachers sailed arrived at the mouth of the river on the 19th of June, and presumably 
by this time have their buildings uj) and their schools in operation. The population 
of this last-named section is exclusively Eskimo. In addition to these, schools have 
been authorized, but not established, at Killisnoo, Klawak, Kadiak, Unga, Belkoifsky, 
Wood Island, Saint Michaels, and Fort Yukon. I am reliably informed that the 
Aleuts are especially anxious for the establishment of English schools in their midst, 
and that they need only to be supplied with educational facilities to complete the 
civilization in which they are already well advanced. 

In this connection I desire to say that in my opinion the sum appropriated for the 
establishment and maintenauce of couimon schools in Alaska is not nearly sufficient. 
No argument is needed to establish this fact. A glance at a map showing the loca- 
tion of the schools enumerated as having already been and remaining yet to be estab- 
lished ought to be sufficiently convincing. Aside from the cost of their original es- 
tablishment, the supervision and control involves many thousands of miles of expen- 
sive travel annually on the part of the general agent and the teachers. The appro- 
priation should be increased to at least ,$50,000. 

Various suggestions present themselves as pertinent to the subject in hand, among 
them the necessity of a compulsory-attendance law, and one making provision for 
the placing of native orphan children and those rescued from slavery in industrial 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 45 

schools; but these and many other things necessary to the educational and other in- 
terests of the Territory will be easy of accomplishment when Congress shall have given 
Alaska a form of government which will enable her i)eople to legislate for themselves 
on all questions of a pnrel.v local character. 

The industrial school at Sitka, I am pleased to be able to report, is making fair pro- 
gress and doing excellent work in the education and training ot native boys and girls, 
in the mechanical trades on the one hand, and a knowledge of househohl work and 
duties on tlie other. The ap])ropriMtious made by Congress for the support of this 
school could not have been directed to a better purpose, and I respectfully suggest 
that they should be materially increased, to the end that another and similar institu- 
tion may be established in the Aleutian Islands in accordance with what I understand 
to have been the original plan, thus completing for the time being the common school 
system of the Territory — the children who manifest more than average aptitude and 
progress in the comnmn schools to be advanced to the others. But one section of the 
Territory can derive any considerable benefit from this proposed grade system until 
an additional training .school at Unala.shka is provided for. I therefore urge that 
Congress be asked for an appropriation sufficient to erect the necessary buildings not 
only for such additional training school, but which will likewise enable the Com- 
missioner of Indian Atfairs to pay the same amount per capita for the support and ed- 
ucation of Indian pupils in Alaska as is paid at all the other industrial schools in the 
country, the amount now allowed being considerably less. Provision should also be 
made for supjilyiug one or both these schools with an experimental farmer, a dress- 
maker and seamairess, and a saw-mil'. The latter would be self-supporting from the 
start, and of great benefit by way of enabling the natives to provide themselves with 
comfortable houses. 



Appendix G. 

annual reports of the schools on the pribiloff islands, 1870-'85. 

Treasury Department, Office of the Secretary, 

Washington, D. C, December 2, 1885. 

Sir : The Department is in receipt of your letter of the 'iSd ultimo, requesting copies 
of reports of Treasury agents in r.'gard to the condition of the schools on the islands 
of St. Paul and St. George in Alaska, from the beginning (1868 or 18G9). 

In comi)liance with your request I transmit herewith extracts from the following 
report? : 

Extract from report of Special 4gent Charles Bryant, dated May 14, 1870. 

Extract from report of Special Agent Charles Bryant, dated October 19, 1870. 

Extract from report of Mr. S. N. Buynitzky, clerk and agent, dated December 30, 
1870. 

E:^tract from report of Special Agent Charles Bryant, dated May 19, 1871. 

Extract from report of Special Agent Samuel Falconer, dated August 3, 1871. 

Extract from report of Special Agent Charles Bryant, dated November 10, 1871. 

Extract from report of Special Agent Charles Bryant, dated September 5, 1872. 

Extract from report of Special Agent Samuel Falconer, dated May 27, 1873. 

Extract from report of Special Agent Charles Bryant, dated- September 30, 1873. 

Extract from report of Special Agent Charles Bryant, dated May 12, 1875. 

Extract from report of Special Agent Charles Bryant, dated August 1, 1877. 

Extract from report of Special Agent J. M. Morton, dated May 15, 1878. 

Extract from report of Special Agent Harrison G. Otis, dated June 1, 1879. 

Extract from report of Special Agent Harrison G. Otis, dated July 30, 1880. 

Extract from re])ort of Special Agent Harrison G. Otis, dated July 30, 1881. 

Extra-ct from report of Special Agent Henry A. Glidden, dated July 21, 1882. 

Extract from report of Special Agent Henry A. Glidden, dated July 3(), 1883. 

Extract from report of Special Agent Henry A. Glidden, dated July 31, 1884. 

The extract from the report for 1885 appears to have been forwarde<l to you on the 
Slst ultimo. 

It appears by the terms of the lease of the islands of Saint Paul and Saint George 
to the Alaska Commercial Company, which continues for a term of twenty (20) years, 
from May 1, 1870, that said com[)any is boutul to maintain a school on each island for 
eight months in each year during the continuance of said lease. 

The abstracts of accounts submitted by the Treasury agents seem to show that said 
provision has thus far been comj.lied with. 
Very respectfully, 

; C. S. FAIRCHILD, 

Assistant Secretary. 

Rev. Sheldon Jackson, D. D., 

United States General Agent of Education in Alaska. 



46 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

IsrAxn OK Saint Paul, 

Jlaxka, October Id, 1870. 

Sir: * » * In couclusion, I tiikepleiisnre in hringinj;- toibenoticeoC the Depart- 
meut a fact witut-ssed by nie in my last vi!>it to the isUuid i)f Saint George, a fact jirati- 
fyinjj; to all those who, like myself, ft el interested in the future moral develoinnent 
of the Aleutian population. On the I4th instant I was jtresent at the examination of 
a school of twelve hoys and six girls in English reading; they <listinctly read any 
page of Wilson's primer, counted up to one thousand, named the days of the week, 
the months and seasons (if tin' year, various articles of dress, household implements, 
«fec., &(i. This was the result of about three mouths' work. Rendering justice to the 
zeal and ability of the founder of the school, Mr. S. N. Buynitzky, I cannot refuse a 
due share of praise to the natural gifts of the Aleutian race, and 1 beg leave to ex- 
press here my earnest belief tiiat the Aleuts might become as good American citizens 
as any admitted under the fifteenth amendment to the Constitution. 
I am, sir, with great respect, 

CHARLES BRYANT, 
Special Agent Treaaunj Department. 
Hon. Geohgk S. Boutwkll, 

Secretarij o/ the Jreasiiry. 



Washington, D. C, December 30, 1870. 

SiK : By letter of instructions of May 2.'), 1870. * * * Xhe population of the 
islands, numbering 240 on Saint Pan! and 125 on Saint George, are mostly Aleuts, some 
half-breeds, and a few descendants of Kamtchadales brought over from Kamtchatka 
by the ves.sels of the Russian-American Company. Their mother-tongue is the Aleu- 
tian, a language spoken with slight variations all over the Aleutian Islands and the 
southeast coast of Alaska peninsula. The' Russian language is understood by all and 
intelligently spoken by many. They all belong to the Gra'co- Russian Catholic Church, 
and are sincerely attached to their religion. 

According to the statement of the natives of the islands of Saint Paul and Saint 
George, a notable imi)rovenient in their material welfare has taken place since the 
transfer of the Territory to the United States. Still, their prosperity is far from being 
in harmony with the importance of their share in the production of wealch. 

I am, sir, verv respectfully, vour obedient servant, 

S. N. BUYNITZKY, 

Clerk. . 
Hon. George S. Boutwell, 

Secretary of the Treasury. 



Saint George Island, 
Berivg Sia, Alaska Territory, May 14, 1871. 
Sir: Having been appointed by you October 10, 1870, to act as your assistant on 
Saint George Island, I beg leave to submit the following report: 

On the 1st of November last a school was re-established for the natives, the attend- 
ants of which number about 25 ; and from the advanced state they were left in by our 
friend, Mr. Buynitzky, it was no difficult task to get along with them. They are 
making rapid progress, and feel anxious to learn the English language. Even' men 
who have advanced to the age of thirty and forty attend school, and are making 
equal progress. 



I am, respectfully, your obedient servant, 



SAMUEL FALCONER, 

Acting Assistant Special Agent. 



Capt. Chas. Bryant, 

Sjytcial Agent Treasury Department, in charge of Seal Islands. 



Office Special Agency, 
Saint Paul Island, Alaska, May 19, 1871. 
Sir: I have the honor to report. * * * In November last a school was opened 
for the natives, which was attended by twenty-nine pupils, who were between the 
ages of seventeen and five years. The average attendance was 95 per cent. All mani- 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 47 

/ 
fested great interest in learning the Euglisli language, and made good progress. All 
learned the alphalret, and many were able to read .simple sentences. 

I berewifli transmit a. very al)le report of Acting Assistant Special Agent Samuel 
Falconer on the condition of the island of Saint George, under his charge. 
I have the honor to be, respectfully, yours, 

CHARLES BRYANT, 
Special Agent Trcasuri/ Department. 
Hon. Gko. S. Boutwell, 

Secretary of the Treasiirij. 



Spkcial Agknt's Office, 
Saint Geougk Island, J iif/nst '3, lf>7l. 
Siu : I have the honor to report. * » » The school whieli was sui)ported through 
last winter has been susj)endeil for the sealing season, but will be again opened as 
soon as it shall seem profitable to do so. 
I am, respectfully, 

SAMUEL FALCONER, 

Special Agent. 
Charles Bkyant, Esq., ^ 

Special Agent Treasurt/ Department, Saint Paul Island. 



Fairiiavex, Mass., November 10, 1871. 
Sir: I have the honor to report. * * * The only po.ssible place where a school 
could be accommodated wasthe dining-room of the employesoltlie conii any, and that 
could l)e had only two hours in each afternoon. As early as |)ractieable a school was 
opened, aud both i)areuts and children were def))ly interested in its success. It was 
attended by 21) scholars between the ages of live and eighteen, the average attend- 
ance being O.') per cent. All learned the al})habet, and many to read simple sentences, 
but great ditticulty was experienced in enabling them to understand the meaning, 
their isolated condition being unfavorable to the development of ideas, and it was 
found that the only effective method was object teaching, for which there existed a 
scanty supply of material. The school had to be closed in April, and owing to the 
dilHculty of uumy attending during the sealing season, it hail not been resumed. At 
the time of my leaving (August 15) a large building v.'as being litted expies.sly for the 
school and a place for the people to assemble. 

There are on the islands a population of 376 natives, so called ; these are about one- 
half pure Aleutian blood, the other half Creole blood; in several the foreign element- 
predominates. They have a well-organized 8y\stem of government, under chiefs of 
their own election, subject to removal at the will of the people, whenever they choose. 
Those now acting have done so for three years, and are very efhcient men. These 
exerci.se a kind of patriarchal supervision over the affairs of the whole people, but pos- 
sess no power to enforce their authority beyond tlie expression of their will. This 
meets all their wants as a simple community, but there sometimes arise contingencies 
when this is insufficient. 



I have the houor to remain. 



Hon. Geo. S. Boutwell, 

Secretary of the Treasury. 



CHARLES BRYANT, 

Special Agent Treasury Department. 



Treasury Agent's Office, 
Saint Paul Lsland, Alaska, 

September 5, 1872. 

Sir: I have the honor to submit the following report of the affairs of the Seal Isl- 
ands since my last, dated May 7, 1872. 

The school has been discontinued during the sealing season, but will be resumed 
»gain as soon as the vessels are gone. 



I have the honor to remain. 



Hon. Geo. S. Boutwell, 

Seoretary Treasury. 



CHARLES BRYANT, 
Treasury Ayent in charge Seal Islands. 



48 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

Assistant Tjjeasury Agent's Office, 

Saint George Island, May 27, 1H73. 
Sir : Having reported to you in detail in the month of August last — 

The school was maintained through the winter, but has met with (juite a drawback 
on the part of the children's parents; tliey entertain the idea that by learning an 
English education it will interfere with their religion. The absurdity of this has 
been fully explained to them, and a few have consented to have their children attend, 
although not regular, while others are still of the original belief. Thus, where no 
iudncenient is held forth by the children's parents, slow progress may be expected, 
not but what much pains has been taken by their teacher. Would it not be well to 
notify their bishop at Sitka in reference to this, who would be most likely to banish 

this erroneous idea from their minds entirely f 

* * # * * .' * 

SAMUEL FALCONER. 
Assistant Treasury Agent in Charge of Saint George Island. 



Faikhaven, Mass., September ZO, 1873. 
Sir : I have the honor to submit the following report on the condition — 

The census taken January 1, 1873, on Saint Paul Island gives the number of the 
Dative inhabitants on the island 218; to these should be added the seventeen then 
absent and properly to be reckoned as belonging to the island, making in all 235, 
showing a decrease since 1870 of 12 persons. These are divided as follows : Males, 114 ; 
females, 121. 

A school-house was fitted up and pi'operly consecrated, and a school commenced 
Octobers, and continued eight months; but on account of a prejudice among the 
people, who have a fear that in learning English their ehildrcn will forget their Rus- 
sian and weaken their attachment to their church, only seven attended regularly. 
Under tbe assiduous care of the teacher, these made very commendable jirogress. 
There were at the same time three classes taught by natives, two in Russian and one 
in Aleut; in all, 17 scholars attended schools of all kinds. Assistant Agent Samuel 
Falconer reports the same difficulties existing on the island of Saint George in regard 
%o securing attendance at school. 

* ir * It # 7f * 

CHARLES BRYANT, 
Treasury Agent for Seal Islands. 



Treasury Agent's Office, 
Saint Paul Island, Alaska, 

May 12, 1875. 
Sir : I have the honor to inform you of the arrival at this island, on the 10th ult., 

■of the Alaska Commercial Company's steamer Alexander, 22 days from San Francisco. 

* # #"# « # * 

The school was commenced in the first week of October, and kept continally, ex- 
cept public and church holidays. The first months a very general attendance was 
secured, bnt with the commencement of the church holidays the attendance fell off, 
and it was diflicnlt, without actual compulsion, to secure so great an attendance as 
was desirable. Mrs. C. P. Fish labored diligently and perseveriugly to accomplish 
her task, and a few who have become attached to her have made good progress in 
.reading, writing, and simple arithmetic. The strong prejudice that exists among 
some of the more bigoted against their children learning English, lest it should 
weaken their attachment to the Russian church, prevents a cordial action on the part 
•of many. 

I have the honor to remain, 

CHARLES BRYANT, 
Treasury Agent in Charge Seal Islands. 
Hon. B. H. Bristow, 

Secretary of the Treasury. 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 49 

Fairhavex, Mass., August 1, 1877. 
Sir: I bare the honor to submit the foUowinp; brief report on the affairs of the 
Seal Ishiucls from the date of mv hist report, dated September 2(i, 1876, to Mav 15^ 
1877. 

The school was commenced October 2 — Miss Juniatte B. Pierce as teacher — and con- 
tinned to the end of May. At tlie commencement a full attendance was secured, 
which continued until the holidays in January. From that time it was difficnlt to 
secure a full attendance, from hick of interest and appreciation by the parents of the 
chihlren. Tliose who attended reguhirly made very good proujress, but owing to their 
having no iiractical use of the English language outside of the school-room, there 
is very little exhibition of its knowledge, unless they are questioned directly for the 
purpose of drawing them out. 

* ^^ * * 1 # # 

I have the honor to remain, yours, respectfullv, 

CHARLES BRYANT, 
Ex-Treasury Agent for Seal Islands^ 
Hon. John Shekmax, 

Secretary of the Treasury. 



Office of the Treasury Agent, 

Saint Paul Island, Alaska, 

May 1.3, 1878. 
Sir : I have the honor to submit the following statement relative to alfairs at the 
seal fisheries since the date of my last report in May, 1877 : 

■» * ■♦ * " * X * 

A school was maintained on the island from the 17th of September, 1377, to the 17tb 
of May, making eight months. As the people were very desirous of tbe establishment 
of a Russian school, the nse of the company's school-house was granted for that pur- 
pose in the afternoons, and the English school has therefore been held only during 
the morning hours. This arrangement has served to dispel the objection heretofore 
held by the people to their children attending the English school, which they con- 
tended would effectually interfere with the acquisition of the Russian tongue, in which 
their church service is conducted. Before the opening of the Englisli school, I took 
pains to explain to the pai'ents the importance of sending their children, and stated 
to them that every child of proper age and condition would be required to attend. 
Treasury Agent Moulton has since given his close personal attention to this matter 
with very excellent results. The average attendance of boys and girls during the 
term was about thirty, which was much larger than has ever been given to any pre- 
vious school. Under an excellent lady teacher the progress made by the children la 
the elementary branches has been very commendable. 

The population of this island on the 1st day of January, 1878, was 257, divided as 
follows: Males, 118; females, 139. ^ 

The number of births during the year 1877 was 13, and the number of deaths 18. 

» # » # ■ # # * 

Very respectfully, 

J. M. MORTON, 
Treasury Agent in Charge Seal Islands. 



[OflBoe of Special Agent, Treasury Department, in charge of Fur Seal Islands, Alaska.} 

Saint Paul Island, June 1, 1879, 
Sir : I have the honor to report my arrival here on the 27th ultimo to enter upon 
the discharge of my duties as special agent. * * » 

I found Assistant Special Agent J. H. Moulton in charge, and obtained from him in- 
formation touching the condition of affairs on the ishmd during the past winter, which 
has been generally favorable, and of which I submit herewith a brief report. * » » 
I have no report from Saint George Island. The English school here was taught 
three hours each week-day from September 2, 1878, to May 8, 1879 — eight months — 
with an average daily attendance of '^S out of a total of 42 on the school roll. The 
Russian school was taught from two to three hours a day (in the afternoon) with an 
average attentlance of about 44. Assistant Special Agent Moulton appears to have 

7018 AL 4 



50 EDUCATION ]X ALASKA. 

takeu great iuterest iu the Euolisli school, and to have exerted liimaelf to promote its 
efficiency, as also has the teacher, James Butrin, a native Aleut, educated iu Ver- 
uiout. * * * 

Respectfully, your obedient servant, 

HARRISON G. OTIS, 
Special Jgent Treasury Department, in charge of Fur Seal Islands. 

Hon. John Sherman. 

Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, I). C. 



[Office Special Agent Treasury Department, in charge of Seal Islands.] 

Saint Paul Island, Alaska, July 30, 1880. 
Sir : I have the honor to sirbmit the following report on the results of the sealing 
season, just closed, on the islands of Saint Paul and Saint George, and other aftairs of 
the Seal Islands, during the year which has elapsed siuce my last annual report. 

The native population of Saint Paul Island, as shown by the census taken on the 
Ist of January, 1880, embraced 83 resident families, and a total of 278 souls. During 
the year there were 9 marriages, 19 births, and 18 deaths on this island. 

Saint George Island, by the census takeu July 1, 1880, had a total population of 92 
souls; the families numbered '-^5, and there were 4 marriages, 5_l)irths, and G deaths 

during the year. 

# * * if » * s 

English schools have been maintained during eight months of the year on both 
islands. They were well taught, and the progress made by the pupils iu their studies 
was not discreditable. The attendance on the Saint George school was good, being 
100 per cent, of the whole number of pupils enrolled — 24. There was something of a 
falling oil' in the attendance on this island over that of the iirecediug year, the per- 
centage being but 7.5 of the enrollment — 40. 



I am, sir, respectfully, your obedient servant. 



HARRISON G. OTIS, 

Treasury Jgent, in charge. 



Office of Special Agent, Treasury Department, 

Saint Paul Island, July 30, 1881. 

Sir : I have the honor to submit my annual report on sealing operations and other 

affairs at the Seal Islands during the past year. 

* » * * * • * * 

The last census of Saint Paul Island, taken December 31, 1880, shows a total native 
population of 279 .souls. Two marriages, 21 births, and 20 deaths occurred during 
that year. 

Saint George Island, by the census of July, 1881, had a total native population of 
102 souls. Two marriages, 6 births, and 6 deaths occurred during the year on that 

island. 

******* 

English schools have been maintained by the lessees on each island during eight 
mouths of the year, three hours of the day. The enrollment of children of school age 
was, on Saint Paul Island, 40 ; on Saint George, 28 ; total, 68. 

The average attendance was a fraction less thau 62. The progress made is percepti- 
ble, though not rapid as heretofore. On Saint Paul Island a Russian school has been 
kept by a sub-priest (uuder a concession formerly made) during most of the same 
period, about three hours a day, five days a week, church holidays excepted. These 
holidays are very frequent, amouutiug to some thirty-three during the last school 
term, and interfere seriously with the regularity of the school attendance. On this 
account I made the rule that, without encroaching upon the regular church holidays 
or customs, the English school hours should either be increased or the term extended 
so as to make it equivalent to not less than two hundred actual school days of not 

less than three hours each. 

**.**#*« 

I remain, sir, your obedient servant, 

HARRISON G. OTIS, 

Treasury Agent, in charge. 
Hon. William Windom, 

Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, D. C. 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 



51 



Offick of the Special Agent, Tkeasury Department, 

Saint Paul Island, July 21, 1882. 

Sir: I have tbe bouor to vsubinit the foUowing report of the sealing business at the 

Seal Islands of" Alaska, for the year ended July 20, 18^2. 

•» * ■ » # ' * * » 

The mortality upon this island since January 1, 1882, has been greater than for the 
same time in any year since the lease to the Alaska Commercial Company. Thirty-six 
deaths have taken place, of which 13 were adult males, 9 adult females, and 14 were 
children. Pneumonia and consumption are the principal fatal diseases. The people 
are irregular in their habits, careless in exposing themselves to the elements, do not 
have good nursing and attention while sick, and appear to be reckless and fearless of 
death. 

if # # « « 4> » 

There has been no manufacturing or drinking of quass bj"- the natives-siuce I ar- 
rived here, in May. The prohihitiou of the sale of sugar, except for the sick, seems 
to have suppressed this evil, which has heretofore been a curse to the people. 

The amount of money to be distributed to the natives of Saint Paul this year is 
§32,008.36. This has been equitably apportioned to the widowfe of sealers who have 
died since the end of the last season, and to the present working force, according to 
the merits of each individual. The natives are better paid, according to the amount 
of work they do, than any class of laborers in this or any other country. 

The payment to each man amounts to more than the earnings of an ordinary labor- 
ing man at the East for a year, with constant employment. In addition, the Alaska 
Company furnish them with house, meat, fuel, salt, and schools free of charge. They 
are indeed highly favored, and, as wards of the 'Government, luxuriously provided 
for. 

The amount to be distributed at Saint George is $8,000. 

The long exemption from labor, from the end of one season to the beginning of the 
next, is detrimental to the natives. It is a sort of enforced idleness. They must of 
necessity employ their time unprofitably if not engaged in actual industry. * * * 
Many of the jjcople are improvident. A few of them are economical, and have de- 
posits at interest with the Alaska Commercial Company, aggregating on both islands 
on the 1st day of June, 1881, $23,087.81. Every person receiving a share in the dis- 
tribution is required to keep to his credit enough to secure to his family a weekly 
payment of $3 until the next distribution is made. This insures to every family a 
living beyond the habits or improvidence of the husband. 

The Alaska Commercial Company support the widows and orphans of those sealers 

•who have died without leaving property. 

#»**#♦# 

The health of the natives on Saint George has been good ; only two deaths have 
occurred there in a year, and those were children. 
Respectfully submitted. 

HENRY A. GLIDDEN, 

Special Agent, 
Hon. Charles J. Folger, 

Secretary of the Treasury. 



Office of the Special Agent, Treasury Department, 

Saint Paul Island, Alaska, July 30, 1883. 
Dear Sir : I submit the following as my annual report of the condition of affair* 
at the Seal Islands of Alaska for the year ending July 30, 1883: 

The health of the natives on both islands has been unusually good ; no epidemic 
has occurred, and few deaths have taken place. 

The population of Saint Pan?, as by census taken on the Ist day of January, 1883, 
is as follows: 77 families; whole number of actual residents, 231. 



Adults 62 

5 to 17 years 21 

Under 5 years 18 



101 



females. 

Adults 76 

.5 to 17 years 38 

Under 5 years 16 

130 



52 • EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

The population of Saint George, as by census taken August 1, 1883: 27 families; 
■whole number actual residents, 104. 



MALKS. 



I'EMALKS. 



Adults 2S Adults /.... 32 

Youths 18 Youths 22 

Infants : 3 Infants 6 

44 ! GO 

The conduct of the people has been exceptionally good since my last report. There 
has been no nuiking or drinking of quass, so far as I am informed, and no case of in- 
toxication has come to my knowledge. Tliis is undoubtedly the result of stopping 
the sale of* sugar except in cases of sickness and upon tbe order of the physician in 
charge. The people are very orderly and i)eaceable. There has been no disturbance 
of any kind, except in one instance, hereafter mentioned. They dress and live well, 
and imitate the Americans in that respect to a large degree. They have been obedi- 
ent to mj^ orders and are easily controlled. They are but grown children in many 
respects, and at times ueed moderate puuishment. All that is necessary to control 
them is firmness and uniformity of discipline. 



Eespectfully yours, 



Hon. Charles J. Folgbr, 

Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, D. C. 



HENRY A. GLIDDEN, 

Special Agent, Seal Islands. 



Offick of Special Agent, Treasury Department, 

Saint Paul Island, July 31, 1884. 
Sir : I have the honor to submit to you my annual report of the condition of affairs 
at the Seal Islands, Alaska, for the year ended July 30, 1884, as follo-ws : 
The census of Saint Paul, taken January 1, 1884, shows: 

Total number of nativ^es belonging to the island 219 

Residents of other islands visiting here 11 

Total 230 

Composed of 99 males and 131 females. 

* # » » # * if 

The ceusus of Saint George, taken January 1, 1884, shows : 

Total number of native inhabitants, 111 ; composed of 47 males and 64 females. 

The school maintained on Saint Paul during the past year has been more than usu- 
ally prosjierous under the guidance of a new teacher. The number of pupils regis- 
tered 54, and the average daily attendance for eight months, 51.59. In this we chal- 
lenge comparison with the schools of an enlightened civilization. 

Very respectfully, yours, 

HENRY A. GLIDDEN, 

Treasury Agent, Seal Islands. 
Hon. Charles J. Folger, 

Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, P. C. 



Office of Special Agent, Treasury Department, 

Sai7it Paul Island, Alaska, June — , 1885. 

Sir : * * * The school has been well kept, and the attendence equal to any in 
the United States, in proportion to the number of scholars. There has not been a 
single unexcused absence. 

The system of fines for being absent which I inaugurated two years ago has proved 
successful. 

I have not realized a single fine for non-attendance during the past year. 

The percentage of attendance for eight months is 98 — very good for half-civilized 
children ; fully equal to any civilized. 



Very respectfully, your obedient servant, 



Hon. Daniel Manning, 

Secretary of the Treasury, Washington, D. C. 



H. A. GLIDDEN, 
Treasury Agent, Seal Islands. 



education in alaska. 53 

Appendix H. 

exploratiox on the upper yukon' river by rev. vincent c. sims, of the 
church missionary society (episcopal) of england. 

Rampart House, Mackenzie River District, 

yorthwe>it Tcrritorif, Canada, November 2'3, 1883. 

My Dear Mr. : When 1 last wrote 1 was at Peel River, but about a month 

after, I came down here to await the breaking np of the river. While here I wa« very 
busy with the Indians, who wei'e coming in from all directions with their spring fur 
hunts. At that time of the year thei'e is no night here (in the summer the sun doesn't 
set at all), and if I had wished I could have liad plenty of visitors at midnight, as 
most of the Indians are up then, preferring to sleep in the day. I left on June 15 and 
returned August 2.5. Three Indians accompanied m«, and we traveled in a bark canoe. 
Our course lay down the Porcupine River, and as the current is strong we went along 
quickly. On the way down I came upon a party of Indians from the Ramparts, and 
spent a couple of days with them. I could not st;)y longer, as provisions were scarce, 
so off we went again. The Porcupine becomes a good-sized stream as it nears the 
Yukon, and there is some pretty scenery on its banks. Bnt it is at the iuuction of the 
Porcupine with the Yukon that the finest view is to be obtained — such an immense 
body of water — it was really grand. A little paddling up-stream brought us to old 
F'ort Yukon, once a post of the Hudson Bay Con)pauy, but aljaiuloned by them when 
Alaska became a part of the Uniteil States. Most of the buildings are still standing 
and are partly occupied by Sanyoolyi, the chief of the Yukon Indians. This old mau 
18 a famous chief in these parts, and he is held in great awe by the Indians. Ilia 
fame, I am sorry to say, is not good ; he has taken several lives, and as he is a very 
powerful man and exceedingly passionate, the Indians fear lest he shall do so again. 
He has several wives and a large family, but I am thankful to say that the sous do 
not take after their father; indeed I have real hopes that one or two of them are 
sincere Christians. 

The old chief gave us a most gracious reception, and of course we feasted, partly 
at my expense, though. I soon saw, however, that we couldn't stay there — the salmon 
had not commenced to come, geese and ducks were scarce, no moose had been killed, 
so that provisions were scarce. 

While there, however, there was plenty to do. The Indians crowded round to be 
tauglit, and to buy books, and what I saw 0f these people made me wish that I could 
stop longer with them. However, that was impossible, so the next day we resumed 
our journey. We had now four days' hard paddling up-stream agaiust a strong cur- 
rent before we should see the next baud of Indians. 

It was pretty stiff work, although we kept out of the main stream as much as pos- 
sible, keeping along close to the shore. It wasu't always very safe either. Some- 
times we would be creeping under high banks undermined by the water, which 
would every now and then fall in with a tremendous crash, or perhaps we would be 
paddling along lines of fallen wood, against which the strong currcMit would threaten 
every moment to dash us. Once or twice we knocked a. big hole in the canoe, but 
happily for us we were at places where we could get ashore; otherwise the conse- 
quences might have been more serious. 

Provisions were not over-abundant, but we were never without a meal ; the boys 
always managed to kill something, chiefly ducks and geese, though both of these 
were unusually scarce. Sometimes we were putting to shore with little or nothing 
for supper and breakfast, when all at once a few geese would start up close by, and 
our stock of provisions would be replenished for another meal or two. And it is very 
noticeable that, after we reached the Indians and were able to get fish and meat from 
them, we hardly ever saw a goose or duck. God's faithfulness made me feel ashamed 
of my unbelief, for although I had told the boys that we were on God's work and He 
wouldn't let us want, I must confess that I didn't ahvays feel so confident. On our 
fourth day we reached the Upper Ramparts, which is the name given to the mountains 
among which the river runs, and which afford some very beautiful scenery sometimes. 
At this .place we came upon another band of Indians, who welcomed us with firing 
off guns and plenty of hand-shaking. Scarcity of food prevented us stopping more 
than a couple of nights. They had enough to provision us to the next band of In- 
dians, but not enough to keep us there any time. But they worked me well while I was 
with them, and I was cheered by the desire they manifested for instruction. The head 
man of the band was the eldest son of Sanyoolyi, and he had followed his father's 
example and taken two wives. I spoke to him about it, and he confessed that he was 
wrong, and before I left it was settled that one of his wives should leave him. On 
starting off again we were accompanied by some Indians in their canoes, and 1 may 
mention here that two of these Indians continued with us during the rest of our jour- 
ney up the river, traveling with us at least 300 miles in order that they might get 



54 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

more instruction. Three days up-stream brought us to a large band of Han Kuitchin 
(River Indians), or, as tliey are sometimes called, Gensdos Fous, a name of which 
they are not proud, and which they might, with some reason, plead that they don't 
deserve. 

These were the first Indians I have seen in this part of the coimtry who live ia 
houses; I think, however, they only do this in the SMmiiicr, as in the winter they are 
generally on the move. They gave me a warm welcome, provided me with a large 
tent capable of containing a good number of people, and crowded round me for their 
first lesson. From this time until ten days later, when I left them, I did nothing but 
teacli from morning till night. Morning and evening i>rayers were conducted, the 
intervening time being occupied by school. I should weary you if I entered into 
details. Suffice it to say that almost all seemed most eager to learn, and there were 
some in i)articnlar who gave me good hopes that a real work of grace was going on 
in their hearts. 

I would hear them singing hymns when I went to sleep, and I would hear them 
again when I awoke in the morning. Whether they were at it all night I can't say; 
I only know that sometimes when I woke up in the night singing would be going on 
still.' 

The salmon were now beginning to come, but I fear my teaching sadly interfered 
■with the lishing, and many a salmon I think passed that spot in safety because the 
minister was on the bank teaching. It was almost amusing sometimes to watch the 
struggle evidently going on in the Indian's mind. He wanted to tish, but he saw 
others being taught, and he wanted to le.irn too, and often the temptation would bei 
too strong, and tlie net would give place to the book. 

Three days' journey up the river brought us to another band of the Han Kuitchin, 
and with these I remained a week. My experience here was the same as that given 
above — they gave me no rest, and I could only get it by running into the woods and 
hiding myself, and then the mosquitoes visited me. 

I was not very sorry when we started again, for I needed a little rest. It was four 
days' journey to the next Indians, and on the way we were stirprised to meet a survey 
party,* sent out by the United States Government, coming down the river on a raft. 
They were as surprised to see me as I was to see them, and plied me with questions 
about the country, which, I am afraid, I was not enlightened enough to answer very 
correctly. 

I suppose one result of their visit will be a new map of the country, or at all events 
of the Yukon, which is much needed, for the present ones are by no means correct. 

Two days after, we arrived at Fort Reliance, and found assembled there the largest 
hand of Indians we had yet met. They were also tbe wildest, and have the reputa- 
tion of being very troublesome sometimes with the fur traders. They treated me 
well enough, however, and during the fortnight I staid among them I saw enough to 
give me a very hopeful view of the progress of the work among them. I was con- 
stantly em)>loyed teaching them, and some of them m.ide very rapid progress while 
I was thert!. Some of them were very impatient, and thought I did not teach them- 
enough, and sometimes when I was at my meals, or trying to get a little rest, a head 
■would be yioked in and " Minister, come and teach us," would be the cry. But I was 
forced to be idle sometimes, for I was really ill part of the time, and I think if I had 
had much more of it I should have brought on a severe attack of illness. But for all 
that, although it was hard, it was a very happy work ; the field was white unto the 
harvest, and I thank God that I was privileged to enter in and do a little for Him. 

I haven't dwelt much upon the dark side, peihaps because I experienced so much 
of the bright. But of course there is a dark side, which only makes it more neces- 
sary that the Gospel should be taken to them. The state of morals is very bad, espe- 
cially among the women, and they have great faith in " medicine-making." They 
fear their medicine men, who take advantage of their superstition and rob them right 
and left. 

These Indians are called the Trodh tsik Kuitchin, and I think their country lies 
within the British boundary line, which is close by Fort Reliance. 

There were Indians from other tribes also there, some from aiiove and others who 
had come across country from the Tanana River. They had never seen a minister of 
the Gospel before, and they begged me most earnestly to go back with them to teach 
their people. One (a chief) said, " They were not pleased ; God did not care for them 
or He would have sent a minister to them." 1 told him that God cared for them very 
much, and had told His people to send ministers everywhere to teach people, but that 
they liad not obeyed Him. Now one had come to them, and I promised that next 
year, if possible, I would visit their country. I hope (D. v.) to do so next summer, 
and by the time you get this I suppose I shall be thinking of turning my face home- 
ward again. 

While with the Trodh tsik Kuitchin I met a Mr. Carr, from Arizona, a nephew of 
General Carr, who I believe holds a command somewhere among the Apaches. He 

* Lieut. F. Schwatka, TJ. S. A. 




THE REV. J. ADOLPHUS HARTMAXN. 
Published throusli tlie courtesy of Mrs. Frank Leslie. 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 55 

had spent tlie winter in the country, and was now wanting to get out. I was glad 
to have a white coiupauioa again, and we got on well rogetlier. 

I was waiting for the steamer which conies up every year to trade with the Indians, 
and I hoped to go further up the river in ber, but >>he didn't turn up, so we went 
down to meet ber, and fouiul tbat an accident had happened to the machinery, and 
she could proceed no further. Mr. ]\[cQuc.sten, the agent of the Alaska Commercial 
Com]>any, received nie most kindly, and (damages having bt;en repaired as far as 
possible) gave me a passage down to Fort Yukon, so tbat that part of the journey 
was accomplished in a decidedly comfortable way. 

We parted at the Yukon, and we once more took to the canoe, and commenced our 
return journey up tiie Porcu})iue. We encountered much bad weather, which de- 
layed us a great deal, so that it was our tenth day before we arrived at the Ramparts, 
thankful to God that we had been brought in safety to the end of our journey. We 
had traversed altogether a little more than 1,000 miles; baptisms, 115, chiehy chil- 
dren. Next year I intend (d. v.) to go down to Nuklukahyet, see the Indians there, 
go up the Tauana Eiver, and from thence cross the country to the Yukon. I am 
anxious to see the Indians at Nuklukahyet. Arcluleacon McDonald previously visited 
them, and they wish for another visit very much. 



Appendix I. 

[Diary of Kev. J. A. H. Hartmaun.] 

EXPLORATION IN WKSTEHX ALASKA 1?Y THE MOKAVIANS, REV. J. A. H. IIARTMANN 
AXD W. H. WEINLAXD, 1884. 

April 14, 1884. — I left New Fairtield, Canada, for Bethlehem, having been invited to 
consult with the directors of the Society of the United Brethren for Propagating the 
Gosjiel among the Heathen as to proposed expedition to Alaska. 

April 15. — Very early in the morning I arrived at Bethlehem, and was kindly enter- 
tained at the house of Brother Edm. de Schweinitz. In the evening there was a meet- 
ing of the board. Brother Weinhind and myself were provided with ample funds for 
the journey proposed to us, and received leave to act as circumstances might require. 
Our outfit was to be procured at San Francisco. The purchase of photographic ap- 
paratus was also sanctioned. 

April 16. — In the evening there was a farewell meeting in the large church, at which 
the claims of Alaska were brought forward. At this service there also took place the 
ordination of Brother John Killbuck, who is to supply my place at New Fairtield dur- 
ing my absence. * « * 

April 27, Sunday. — We arrived in San Francisco in the morning, put up at the Russ 
House, and went to a Congregational church in the evening. 

April 28.— After breakfast, I went in search of Captain Healy of the United States. 
revenue cutter Corwiu. After some inquiries at the Government buildings, I went 
on board, but the captain was ashore. I found him at last in the Merchants' Ex- 
change, and learned that the vessel was to sail on the 3d oft May. We purchased part 
of our outtit, rubber boots, coats, and blankets, rifle, shot-gun, and fishing tackle. 

April 29. — After breakfast we went on board the Corwin, and saw the captain again. 
We then procured cauned provisions for Alaska; also an aneroid barometer, a ther- 
mometer, telescope, blankets, printed cotton, a tent, an ax, hatchet, and saw. 

May 2. — Through the Lord's mercy I was directed by Captain Healy to the Alaska 
Commercial Company. I told ilr. Sloss, one of the partners, that the object of our 
visit to Alaska is to prepare the way for preaching the Gospel to the Eskimos. He 
seemed favorably impressed with the undertaking, and we felt his sympathy was 
with us. The company gave us a letter of introduction to Mr. Newman, of Uualashka, 
asking him to render us all the assistance in his power. Before leaving San Fran- 
cisco, we deposited with them our return ticket and surplus money, with directions to 
send them to the Bethlehem Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in case it 
were the Lord's will that we should not return. Since we had entered into negotia- 
tions with this company, I will just mention a few details concerning them. The 
Alaska Commercial Company is at ])reseut all-powerful in Alaskan waters, and almost 
monopolizes the fur trade of tbat country. They have three main stations, Uualashka, 
Saint Michael's, and Kadiak, and also the Seal Islands. Their traders on the Aleutian 
Islands and at the mainland stations of Nnshagak, Togiak, and Kuskokwim are sup- 
plied with goods for trading from Uualashka, those in the south of the i)eninsula from 
kadiak, and those in the Yukon district from Saint. Michael's. The large steamer, St. 
Paul, 1,000 tons burden, sails between Uualashka, Saint Michael's, and the Seal Islands. 



56 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

The smaller eteanier Dora and tlio schooner Matthew Turner are principally used in 
carryinj;' goods to and ironi San Francisco and Unalashka to the mainland. On the 
Eiv<;r Kjisl<okwim there are three stations, Mumtrekhlaf^amnte, Kolmakovsky, and 
Venizali. From the above it Avill be seen that the facilities for carrying supplies to a 
(mission on the Kuskokwim are good and certain. Indeed, onr most serious ditficulties 
■were at once removed bj' our becoming acquainted \\'ith the Alaska Commercial Com- 
pany, one of these being the doubt whether we should be able to reach the mainland 
at all. How differently matters turned out! We had no idea of having such facili- 
ties and comforts during our journey. 

May :i. — Feeling much encouraged we prepared to embark in the Corwin, again 
committing ourselves into the Lord's hands for protection, help, and guidance. At 
10 a. m. we were on board the steamer. It was a fine day, and the city and harbor 
looked beautiful. We found it diiilicult to get about on deck as it was full of coal 
■bags on which we had to walk. There were four boats and a little steam-launch on 
l)oard. At 1 p. ni. the anchor was weighed and we were under steam. The United 
States cutter Ensh accompanied us as far as the "Golden Gate," as the entrance of 
the harbor is called. As we steamed alongside one another an artist took a photo- 
graph of the Corwin, which the instantaneous process rendered quite possible. Near 
the "Golden Gate" the water was very rough. Before leaving us, the Rush crossed 
our bows twice, giving a parting salute each time, then returned to harbor, while the 
Corwin steamed against a strong northwest trade-wind. As we proceeded, the un- 
comfortable sensations preceding sea-sickness crept upon me in spite of my keeping 
on deck. Our berths were made up in the captain's cabin, occupying the stern of the 
vessel. A board was fastened in front of the broad sofa, and thus a comfortable bed 
^'as formed. We took our meals with the captain. I was glad to lie down towards 
•evening, being overcome by sea-sickness. 

Maji (i, Tuesday. — During the night a fair wind sprang up, and we were going at 9 
linots an hour. 1 was still sick, though a little easier. Brother Weinland seemed to. 
liave got over the worst. The officers, crew, and three passengers, the captain's son. 
Brother Weinland, and myself, number in all forty-tive persons. Among the crew are 
(five Chinamen who act as cooks and stewards. There is no woman on board. 

May 7, Wednesday. — I went on deck this morning, and kept there all day. I had 
•still no appetite. It was a tine day, a rolling sea against us and no wind. The pitch- 
ing being considerable, I was in a poor condition, though they said it was the finest 
passage and weather they had had for a loi'g time. Brother Weinland seems quite 
well. 

Aiay H, Thursday. — Fair wind all day ; going well ahead ; a little rain in the morn- 
ing. The Corwin is a stout, well-built boat, with neat, compact engines. I enjoyed 
sitting in the engine-room, where it was warm. I felt thankful to the Lord, who has 
.graciously helped us thus far; may we never give up our trust in Him. 

Man 9, Friday. — We are about halfway to Unalashka. I feel more comfortable to- 
<lay than on any of my former voyages. After snpper we had our first lengthy con- 
vei'sation with the captain. As regards the natives in Alaska, he thinks we shall not 
accomplish much ; but I told him that our mission to the natives is a work of faith, 
find that the Saviour who gave the command to go and preach the Gos])el to every 
•creature will also help His servants to obey it. He says there are from thirty to sixty 
•vessels in Alaska waters during the sunnner. He thought the possibilities of getting 
from Unalashka to the mainland were uncertain, and we might have to wait till mid- 
summer. ♦ 

May 11. — A Sunday .at sea, but no religious service. A strong wind arose and the 
T^essel began to pitch and roll terribly. The captain was up all night; I was awake 
too. The motion of the vessel was sometimes so sudden and violent that I was not 
surprised to hear the captain exclaim, " How she kicks !" It uas more like a kicking 
ihan anything else. 

May 15, TJiuvbday. — Rose with an appetite at last, ate some breakfast, and felt bet- 
ter. A fine breeze springing up from the south we made good progress. The cap- 
■tain says we shall see land about 4 or o p. m. I remained on deck most of tlie day and 
Lad a slight enjoyment of sea voyaging. How soon one forgets the troubles of sea- 
sickness! Land ahead about 4 p. m. The hope was entertained that we might reach 
Unalashka at a late hour of the night, but the wind slackening and turning against 
«s, it became doubtful. The shore was almost enveloped in mist, but as we drew 
uear it cleared oft', and we could see the bold, picturesque, snow-clad mountains. We 
•were now in the Akoutan Pass, the tide flowing strongly in with us. 

Unalashka, Aleutian Islks,, May l(i to :W. — We have entered the pretty little 
harbor, landlocked, with narroAv entrance and deep water. 

Our letter of introduction from the company at San Francisco proved very useful. 
We were received kindly by their friendly and iiolitc agents, with whom we had pleas- 
fint intercourse during our whole stay in the island. Our baggage was put into one of 
the storehouses. The quarters given us in the late ofiice of the defunct Western Fur 
Trading Company consisted of two comfortable rooms warmed by a stove, and con- 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 57 

tainedbeddinjj, furuitnre, and fuel. Thither we conveyed our most necessary articles, 
including the photograjihic aj)paratu8. We called our lodgings " Providence" ; they 
were only a few minutes' walk from the company's boarding-house where we took 
our meals witli tlieir agents and emi)loyes, but we little dreamed that we were being 
■entertained gratis, whilst we had pleasant converse with those who had visited and 
could tell us a good deal abimt the places and people most interesting to us. Mr. 
Applegate, who had visited the Nushagak and Togiak Rivers last year, and found the 
natives peaceable and inotfeusive, gave us a map of those districts. Mr. Conlin spoke 
of the country COU miles np the Yukon River as very healthy. 

The absence of the steamer Doja with Mr. New man, the head agent, on board, de- 
tained us at Unalashka for some time, but we made it our constant business here, as 
all through our journey, to seek guidance and help from the Lord. Our prayer was 
that He would so influence the men to whom we must apply that their counsel might 
result in our doing His will and not our own. Though no advance was made for 
some <lay8 towards our getting to the mainland, we waited patiently, nothing doubt- 
ing. Yet the time began to hang heavily, for we longed to be doing our Master's 
work. At length, on the •24tii, a steamer hove in sight, which proved to be the Dora 
returning from the islands. We were now introduced to Mr. Newman, and consulted 
him as to our best way of proceeding on our journey. He proposed that we should 
go to Nushagak in the Dora, and directed us to Mr. Clarke there for further informa- 
tion. We therefore awaited the departure of that vessel, and meanwhile Ijusied our- 
selves with various preparations. 

Maji 30, Friday. — We received a sudden notice that the Dora would start for Nusha- 
gak, or Fort Alexander, at 2 j). ni. We tinished our letters in haste, and packed up our 
things, forgetting the poles of our tent. Mr. Newman advised us to get light rubber 
coats in imitation of the native kamlika. All theem]doy(^s from the ofBce and many 
■others bade us larewell as we embarked on tlu' Dora. We had a nujuber of work- 
men, coopers, and a eaipenter, and i^ome native women on board ; the latter were to 
be employed at Nushagak in cleaning the salmon for salting. Mr. Newman very 
kindly shipped a bidarka and another boat for ns. The day was most beautifully 
bright and sunny, and the bay quite calm. The wind being in our favor, the steam 
was shut oft' and the sails set. The motion of the vessel wasouly slight, and, though 
Brother Weinland was sick, I was well enough to enjoy the lovely evening and ad- 
mire the magnificent scenery of the island till it disappearefl from our view. I then 
retired to rest, tlianking the Lord for all his mercy and kindness to us. 

May I-!!, Saturday. — We jiassed the island Cnimak, with its high mountains envel- 
oped in clouds. 

June \, Whitsunday. — We were left to onrselves to keep holy the Sabbath day be- 
fore the Lord. The crtntemplation of Zech. ix, 10, was sweet and encouraging. "He 
•shall speak peace unto the heathen; and His dominion shall be from sea to sea, and 
from the river to the ends of the earth.'' In conversation with the captain as to the 
establishnienr of a mission among the natives on the mainland, he advised the Kus- 
kokwim, as there would be facilities of C(nnmunication. The steamer Dora goes np 
the river every spring, and is met by other boats, w Inch take the goods for the traders 
a distance of about 500 miles up the river. By means of a good sailing boaj: we could 
command the river and perhaps the island Nunivak, and the opposite coast. We 
prayed the Lord to make known to us His will, and to give us wisdom and good un- 
derstanding in the selection of a place. At 7 p. m. we ueared Cape Coustantiue. The 
sea was smooth as glass, and imuiense flocks of sea-fowl were seen on the surface. 
At ten the anchor was dropped, the captain fearing to enter the dangerous waters of 
the Nushagak Bay before daybreak. 

June 2, Monday. — When we arose we found the ship steaming carefully along in 
sight of Cape Constantino. The land is very low, but mountains still covered with 
snow rose inland, and towards Togiak Bay. About 8 a. m. two ndtives apjjroached in 
their kayaks. Tley came on board, the kayaks being hauled up also. Oue was the 
pilot on the look-out for the Dora, as there are some difficult channels to get through 
before reaching her anchorage at Fort Alexander. Here we arrived at half-])ast two, 
when the anchor was dropped in deep water a mile and a half distant from the shore. 

By the Lord's help and goodness another stage of our journey was safely accom- 
plished. About 3 p. m. Mr. Clarke, the company's agent, and tw'o natives arrived in 
a theee-holed bidarka. The Greek priest also came on board, and we noticed that the 
native women from Unalashka saluted him by kissing his hand, extended for that 
purpose. We were introduced to him, Mr. Clarke acting as our interpreter. Nusha- 
gak, or Fort Alexander, lies on the left bank of the river, which is 3 or 4 miles wide 
here, and at high tide presents a very fine appearance, but at low water shows large 
mud banks. The salmon season had just begun. A fine specimen was brought on 
board by the natives, measuring three feet six inches, and we had the pleasure of 
tasting this magnificent fish. Nushagak is small, though the most important place 
between the Yukon and the Alaskan Peninsula. It is built on the side of a rather 



58 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

steep acclivity. The company's offices aud tLe traders' dwellings are on the lower 
terrace, reached by fifteen steps, seventy more steps leading to the npper terrace with 
the Greek church, and the houses of the jjriest and deacon. To right and left on the 
side of the hill nestle the earth huts of the natives. Oi)posite Nnshagak to the west, 
numerous mountains rise steep and abrupt from a level plain stretching 10 to 30 
miles from the river, and are utterly devoid of timber. Among them are some pict- 
ures(jue lakes ; one of them, AbaknakiU, is well studded with beautiful pine-covered 
islands. '' 

June 3. Thiirsdai/. — The Dora steamed up the river a distance of 7 miles, Mr. Clarke 
acting as pilot. Here a shed for salting and barreling salmon was to be put up .and 
a house for the men, who had come from Unalashka with the timlier. Here I made 
the acquaintance of the famous Eskimo dogs. Thiy are A-ery handsome and much 
tamer than those in Labrador, indeed they came to be stroked' and petted. 

We were greatly interested in watching the landing of the timber for the shed. 
Strong ropes were stretched from the vessel to the shore, l)y inean.s of which the boats 
were pulled to and iro. The shed was soon erected. I noticed that the natives could 
carry heavy weights. Nearly all were dressed in coats made of the skins of squirrels. 
The men crop their black hair in various ways, some leaving a crown of longer hair. 
The women's hair was neglected and stunted in its growth. The young people are 
very rosy. The race is comparatively diminutive, the women particularly so. 

June 4, IVcdnesdai/. — A beautiful, warm day. We had an encouraging text: " Uuto 
the upright there ariseth light in the darkness" (Psalm cxii. 4). 0, Lord, let light 
arise tons! Unloading began very early, all hands at work. Mr. Clarke came in 
his boat and after dinner we sailed with him back to Nnshagak. The banks are a 
deep, soft mud, so boards were laid from the boat to the shore in order to land. Pres- 
ently Mr. Clarke accompanied us on a visit to the Greek priest, who was dressed in 
his black gown. He was very friendly and communicative, and readily replied to 
all questions. He claims the Nushagak and Togiak districts as his parish, and showed 
lis that according to his books he has <?,476 comnniuicants. The natives are required 
to express belief in the teaching of the Greek Church, the Holy Trinity, and in Christ 
as the Saviour of mankind. Then they are baptized and immediately after confirmed 
and become communicant members. Their children are also baptized, and supposed 
to be afterwards taught. At our request he took us to the church and showed and 
explained everything: the altar with the silken cloth, consecrated by the bishop, on 
which lay the Gospels; the communion service, from which the bread and wine mixed, 
together are given in a sj)Oon ; aud pictures representing Christ and some of the saints. 
The church is a neat building, the roof painted green as usual. In the course of 
conversation he suggested to us the Kuskoksvim, as an unoccupied field. Oar prayer 
to thi' Lord had frequently been that He would direct us in the right way by the men 
and means he chose. So we took it as coming from Him that the Greek priest pointed 
out that river, and came to the conclusion to abandon all search for a suitable local- 
ity in the districts occupied by the Greek Church. We determined to explore the 
Kuskokwim as far up the river as it was advisable, and on our return to see Good 
News Bay, unless the Lord should direct us otherwise. On re-entering the boat, Alexy, 
a little man, carried me through the mud, and when he was setting me down I nearly 
lost my balance, narrowly escaping a cokl mud and water bath. We reached the ves- 
sel at half-past nine. The water being as smooth as glass, we could see white whales 
and salmon going up the river. 

June .5, Thursday. — I conmienced to gather words aud expressions such as we were 
most likely to use later on, when we shall probably travel entirely in the company of 
the natives. It is slow and difficult work. There seems to be a great deal of fish 
here. The natives catch them in small dip-nets close to the bank of the river. A 
king salmon, brought on board by a native, measured 3 feet 10 inches in length, and 
36 inches round the Thickest part of the body, aud weighed 41 pounds. The weather 
continues very fine, and it is daylight till half-past 10 p. m. 

June 6, Fridmi. — They loaded small logs from the pine forests for Togiak. Amongst 
other iihotographs I took one of the Greek priest and his deacons, at the former's re- 
quest. In acknowledgment he made me a present of an ivory inkstand, ruler, aud 
penholder, made by a native from the teeth of a walrus. Mr. Clarke read us a letter 
he had written to the company's agent, Mr. Zipri, on the Kuskokwim, commendiug 
us to his care and soliciting his aid in furthering the work we have in hand. So the 
Lord provides for us. We returned to our steamer about half-past U, having had to 
wait for the tide. It was the first time we had tried the bidarkas ; we like them very 
much. 

June 7, Saturday. — Brother Weinland and I unpacked our trunks, selecting and 
making into parcels only such things as would be necessary for our journey up the 
Kuskokwim. We left the remainder of our goods in Mr. Clarke's care till our re- 
turn. 

Jun^e 8, Sunday. — After breakfast we both went ashore aud attended the Greek 
church, liaving previously notified our intention to the priest. On entering the build- 



• EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 59 

ing we were at once condncted to two chairs placed witbia the altar railing. We 
Lad a good view of all that was going on, though we did not get a clear insight into 
the long and elaborate service, which lasted nearly three hours. The priest and dea- 
cons wore gorgeous robes of a yellow color, in which gold threads were woven. The 
sacrament of the Lord's Supi)er was administered to about twenty-Kve children ; they 
■were held up and the ])riest ))nt a mixture of bread and wine, or broad and water, 
into tlieir months with a spoon. Some of the little mouths had to be opened to re- 
ceive it. At th(^ conclusion of the service, all came forward and kissed a crucitix pre- 
sented to them by the priest, some also kis.sing his hands. I had a lengthy conversa- 
tion with Mr. Clarke, who wished ns every success in our undertaking; he could not 
promise us much pleasure, bnt rather hardships. Hitherto, we have had no trouble 
or privations, being well cared for and assisted by the company and their agents. 
AVe looked to the Lord for further help and guidance. Wo returned to our ship at 
half-past 9. 

June 'J, Mondaf/. — At 3 p. m. we started for Igagik, on the Alaskan peninsula. There 
Mr. Clarke wished to establish a new lishing station under the management of a half- 
breed, Paul. This Paul is the only native we met who could speak English. He was 
accompanied by his wife and three native assistants. Mr. Clarke shipped two bidarkas 
for our use, and instructed Alexy, a native, to go to Togiak and secure four natives 
to go with us to the Kuskokwim, and bring us back to Nushagak in the bidarkas. 
The trip to Igagik was most pleasant, sea calm, and weather tine. As before, our 
careful captain cast anchor about four or five miles off the mouth of the Igagik River. 
One of the ship's boats and Paul's large open boat were sufficie.nt for the landing of 
the goods. The coast as viewed from the vessel is low, with gravely beach, and high 
mountains rising inland. On the return of the boats the vessel made for the Togiak, 
Hearing and rounding Cape Constantine. 

June 10, Tuesdai/. — Got up at seven after a good night's rest. We were steaming 
up the Togiak Bay, and passing a number of small islets, called the " Walrus Islands," 
some of which rise abruptly out of the sea. Looking up towards the mountains that 
shut in the valley of the Togiak, I could not help wishing we could ascend that river. 
The scenery is beautiful, quite different from the Nushagak. The coast is gravely 
and rocky ; mountains, sloping down to the water's edge, line the left shore of the 
bay. The water of the river is splendidly clear. Casting anchor at 7 a. m. a long 
way from the station, we soon saw a Heet of kayaks bringing the natives to the ves- 
sel. Seeing one old Juan cross himself three times, we were led to suppose that they 
belonged to the Greek Church. Mr. Clarke's sub agent also came on board. We went 
ashore to see the station. It is ten miles from the village Togiakamute, iu a lonely 
place, on high rocky banks, and consists of two small log houses; one is used by the 
trader for storing his furs, skins, and walrus teeth ; the other as a magazine for goods 
for trading purposes. The annual visit of the steamer is (inite an event here; so 
about 100 natives had congregated, some to carry the goods and building materials 
for a new store-house up the steep banks, others no doubt from curiosity. It was a 
tine day, th« sun shining brightly, and the mosquitoes were very troublesome. Whilst 
Mr. An^lerson, the carpenter, put up the building, I sat down by some natives, and 
tried to become acquainted with some of their words. Soon a great number were 
squatting all around me. They willingly repeated the words over and over till I could 
catch them projjerly, and I managed to learn the names of the difterent parts of the 
body. They told me the language used on the Kuskokwim and Yukon is the same 
as theirs. I amused them by allowing them to look through the photographic camera. 
They observe closely, and seemed to be interested in what they saw. I concluded 
that they are teachable and willing to be led. Some of the men seemed rather tall 
for Eskimos, and some of the womt'n had two lines of tattoo marks from the corner 
of the under lip reaching to the chin : all looked dirty. 

June 11, We(lne><day. — Three of the men whom Alexy had secured to go with us to 
the Kuskokwim drew back, bnt he promised to do his best for us before 3 p, m., when 
the vessel would start. The time drew near, but no natives had appeared, and we 
were in somewhat of a dilemma. Just at the last, however, an old man and three 
young ones ina<le their appearance. 

Old Washili had been to the Kuskokwim before, and knew the river well. The 
others were Chimeynne, Washili the younger, and Nicholi\iou. 

Mr. Anderson pronounced them a line crew, and such they proved. We left about 
4 p.m., and a mist which rather hindered our progress soon cleared. The natives, 
though rather ])hlegmatic on shore, are the reverse in their kayaks, and it was amus- 
ing to watch them trying to keep up with the steamer. Passing the treeless island, 
Hegemeister, we retired to rest before the ship got abreast of Cape Pierce, thanking 
the Lord for all His mercies to us. 

June 12, Thursdai/. — We are now at length in the mouth of the River Kuskokwim. 
Thus far the Lord has helped us. " Ble.ss the Lord, O my soul !" " He that hath 
helped thee hitherto, will Indp thee all thy .journey through." We passed Cape New- 
enham in the earlv morniuj;. Mountains were to be seen on the ri^ht all along thft 



€0 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

shore, but uo laud is yet visible to the h-ft. The entrauce of Good News Bay is 
marked by a hill called the Sugar Loaf. We have begun to put our things into small 
compass, so as easily to bo stowed away in the bottom of the boat. Tlie sailors are 
taking soundings, and find that we are still in deep water. Navigation is here some- 
what dangerous, as there is an absence of all shoal-marks or buoys. The cajitain is 
carefully watching the results of the soundings, which gradually indicate a decrease 
in depth. When about 2.30 p. m. the lead showed a depth of oiilv five fathoms, the 
<;ai)tain feared to proceed, and cast anchor 7 or 8 miles from the low bank of the river. 
Scanning the distant shores on the look-out for the traders, who always come down 
in good time to meet the vessel, we were not long kept in suspense. Soon four boats 
were seen to leave the shore, and in an hour's time they reached the ves.sel. They 
■were manned by native oarsmen, under the command of the Alaska Commercial 
Company's agents, Messrs. Zipri and Liiid. These gentlemen, although Finns, speak 
English well. The two other agents were Nicolai'Dormentotf, a Knssian, who had 
been resident in the country for about thirty years, and Nicolai Komolkoshen, a civ- 
ilized Eskimo. The two latter are not acquainted with English. The traders had 
brought furs for the company, and took on board the stores for conveyance up the 
Tiver. We were courteously received by them, having been reconnnended to their 
<jare and hospitality by Mr. Clarke. Mr." Zipri, -who was on his way to San Francisco, 
looked favorably upon. our enterprise, and promised assistance. He is taking with 
him a half-breed to receive education in that city. 

The steam crane speedily placed the stores and our own baggage on board the large, 
open skin boats, of from six to eleven tons burden. The boats then left the ship, 
and we followed in our three-holed bidarkas, after finishing our letters. At 8 p. m. we 
bade farewell to our good captain and his crew, and stepped into our boats. Brother 
Weinland and myself seated ourselves in the center holes of the bidarkas, the two 
others being occupied by the native oarsmen. A strange feeling came over me, when, 
parting from the company of our friends, we sailed alone over this wide expanse of 
water in our frail skin boats. The larger boats, preceding us, served as our guides. 
A long twilight followed tlie sunset at 9.15 p. m. After rowing for three hours and a 
half we reached our first halting-place, and felt somewhat stiff and tired. This place, 
named Ishiugackmnte, occupies the site of a former Eskimo village, and is near the 
mouth of a small but deep river. Here the company has erected a wooden frame 
house for the reception of the traders' goods, previous to their conveyance up river. 
Twilight had not yet deepened into night by the time we had completed this first 
stage of our journey. The natives soon kindled a fire, and a midnight meal, consist- 
ing of broiled ham, Graham bread, and black tea, was prepared by the traders, who 
kindly considered us their guests during the whole of our travelings and sojournings 
with them. We had pitched our tent, but were invited by Mr. Lind to occupy the 
floor of the store-house in preference. A wolf's skin and bear's skin spread on the 
floor served as bed, and, using our coats as pillows, we covered ourselves with a 
blanket. Ere falling asleep, my thoughts wandered over the past, and I returned 
thanks to the Lord for the very gracious leadings which enabled i;s to travel up this 
Tiver in company with the traders. 

June 13, Fridaii. — We got up at 9 a. m., feeling none the worse for having slept on 
so hard a bed. After breakfast I photographed'the store-house, some natives, and an 
Eskimo's grave. It is customary here to bury above ground. The dead body is laid 
in a rude bos made of logs of drift-wood, raised by other logs to a height of two or 
three feet above the ground, and covered with the same material to protect the re- 
mains from the dogs. All that belonged to the deceased is placed on or around his 
coffin, as the natives believe that if they keep any of the property of the departed 
they will be haunted by his spirit. This shows that these people believe to some ex- 
tent at least in a future existence. Howl wished I could speak with the natives of the 
Lord .Tesus, who is Himself the resurrection and the life! The boats put oft' once 
more for the remainder of the goods, returning towards evening, when it began to 
rain. Mr. Lind speaks Russian, and, as he employs a native interpreter, he is able to 
trade with the natives in an intelligent manner. For about forty or fifty squirrel 
skins the natives receive two skeins of netting twine. A land otter has about the 
same purchasing power. 

June\A, Satiirdai/. — The natives began to reload the boats from the store-house. 
Nicolai Komolkoshen, the manager of the lower station, is a member of the Greek 
Church, and a man of good common sense, in all his habits more like a white man 
than an Eskimo. He speaks Russian very well, but knows little English, though he 
is anxious to learn it. The boy. whom Mr. Zipri is taking with him to San Francisco 
is Nicolai's adopted son, and the father told us that if he could have had him edu- 
cated here he would not have sent him to America. This shows the desirability of 
establishing a school. 

Dinner at 3 p. m. consisted of duck soup and an abundance of eggs. Thei-e is no 
fear of our starving whilst with the traders. Nicolai's station, Mumtrekhlagamute, 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 61 

is about 100 miles from the Dora's ancliorai>e, aud the jonruey thither occupies three 
(lays. 

June 15, Sunday. — Owing to contrary north winds we were unable to resume our 
journey. Mr. Lind is very friendly and obliging', and wouhl like to see us establish 
a school at Kolnuikovsky. From him and his interpreter we gathered the following 
facts with regard to the beliefs and superstitions of the Eskimos. They know noth- 
ing of an Almighty Creator, but imagine that all things came spontaueouslj' into 
being. They believe in a future life, Ijut have no conception either of a heaven or a 
hell. They are alraid of the spirit of a deceased person (or, as they name it, his 
shadow), though they do not quite know how it can injure them. 

The Eskimo knows when he is doing wrong. They tto not believe in a Good Spirit, 
though tliey conceive the existence of an evil one. They think that such natural 
phenomena as thunder and lightning are due to the agency of some superior being. 
Any one carried otf by sickness is said to die a natural death, whilst all cases of sudden 
disease are attribute<l to the direct influence of medicine men, or Shamans, supposed 
to be endowed by the evil spirit with supernatural powers. The healing of a sick 
man, or the performance of some extraordinary feat, insures recognition as a Shaman. 
The Shaman, they say, can kill an Eskimo, but not a white man. In company with 
Mr. Lin<l we closed the day by reading 1 John iv, and then ottered fervent prayers to 
the Lord for the natives, a number of whom were present, watching our proceedings. 

June 10, Monday. — After breakfast we prepared to continue our journey, but were 
again prevented by the adverse winds. The country on the lower Kuskokwim is a 
flat waste, entirely destitute of trees aud even of shrubs, covered only with a damp, 
spongy bed of moss or ''tundra," from six inches to a foot in depth. The deposits of 
drift-wood, the only fuel here, show to what a height the river must occasiouallj' rise 
above its ordinary level. The Eskimo villages are built close to the river, and must 
at such times sufler greatly from the floods. A dreary, dreary couutry! 

At the halting- places on our journey the inhabitants of the native villages are pro- 
vided by the agent with tea, sugar, aud flour. They shoot large quantities of ducks, 
geese, and other water-fowls, and bring in numbers of eggs. Of these they receive 
their share. They consider the raw blubber of the white whale a delicacy. Their 
manner of eating it is certainly peculiar. Holding a knife in the right hand and a 
piece of blubber iu the left, they fix their teeth firmly in the latter, aud saw otf a 
portion with the knife. One of their dishes consists of liour mixed with oil or grease. 
Iu partaking of this they employ either their fingers, or a chip of wood iu lieu of a 
spoon. They appreciate spoons, however, when they are able to obtain them. The 
apjiearauce of the uncivilized Eskimos is not prepossessing, as they neither wash 
themselves nor comb their hair. Their features are not amiss; a good many have 
thin mustaches, and rosy, well-shaped cheeks. They are of a lively temperament, 
fond of .sports aud games. 

June 17, Tuenday. — The night was cold aud windy, and I was unable to keep myself 
warm. The morning was clear and cold, but the wind is still adverse. Time begins 
to hang heavy on our hands. 

We tried to read aloud to the natives from the Eskimo Testament, as used in Labra- 
dor, but finding that they did not understand, we desisted, lest they should consider 
it a ceremony akin to those of the Greek Church. We long to tell them of the living 
Christ in living words. 

Mr. Lind gave us a few more particulars about them. The men spend their time in 
hunting and fishing, leaving all other work to the women. The marriage tie lacks 
permanence. If a man tires of his wife, he leaves her aud marries again. Some 
women thus have a number of husbands in succession. In some cases, however, the 
union is of long duration. The women are very intelligent, and those living at the 
stations have learned to perform the various household duties, and to practice personal 
neatness and cleanliness. 

June 18, Wednesday. — After a stay of five days at this first halting-place, we were at 
last able to proceed upou our way. At 2 a. m. all were aroused, and without waiting 
to take any refreshment, we set out to reach the next village before the turn of the 
tide. It was a clear, sharp morning, the suu had not yet risen; and the crew, who, 
like ourselves, had not tasted food, had to row for a distance of eight miles. Feeling 
very cold, we each took an oar, and joined the men in pulling. At 7 a. m. we reached 
Kuskokwagamute, a village of about ten barrabaras, or native houses. On our land- 
ing, the natives brought us a qiuiutity of .salmon. Soon a good fire was kindled, and 
breakfast cooked. The rays of the sun presently increased in strength, and being 
warmed and refreshed, we endeavored to go to sleep, but were unable to do so on 
account of the mosquitoes. Some women came from the village, bringiug with them 
a few articles for sale. Besides the two usual tattoo marks from the corners of the 
mouth to the chin, these women had a small hole in their lower lip, in which they 
placed their sewing needle when not in use. 

Atavorable wind springing up, we left our halting-place at 1 o'clock, and at 3 p.m. 
reached the village of Apokachamute, situated close to the mouth of a small but deep 



62 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

triljiitai y of the Kiiskokwiiii, and uiiiulieriiio- about 150 iubabitants. A gootl many 
-wouR'i) and cbildren, standino; at a little distance, watched ns disembark and ititch 
our tents. .Some of tLc children were plentifully adorned with beads. All were 
dressed in the usual parka, or skin coat. The men had two holes pierced near the 
corner of the lower lip, in which were inserted white ivory studs. Washili and 
Nicholaiou were here, having preceded us by a few days. We saw numbers of beau- 
tiful salmon lying on the bank, waiting to be di'essed and dried. 

Hero we sk'])t in our tent for the first time on a bed of long giass, covered with 
grass matting of native manufacture, two large iudia-rubljer l)laiikets. a wolf's skiu 
or bear's skiu, Mud a blanket. We covered ourselves with another j)]ain blanket and 
one of iudia-rubl)er, and made our coats, &c., serve as our pillows. The tent afforded 
us protection not only against wind and weather, but akso against the mosquitoes. 

June ly, Thursday. — We were called at 3 a. ni., and after some slight refreshment 
were soon on our way again. At 8 o'clock we reached the small village of Togiar- 
hazoriamute. The mosquitoes were here so troublesome that I stood in the smoke of 
the fire in the hopt? of escaping them. After breakfast the sun l^roke through the 
clouds, and a fair wijul blowing, we started again for a long day's sail along the low 
green banks of the river. It was delightful traveling. Point atter point was reached 
and left behind. The skin boats seemed to glide through the water.. As we went on 
the river grew narrower, .so that the opposite bank became distinctly visible. Towards 
evening we eucamiied at a distance of about a mile from the village of Lomaviga- 
niute. The river, which had hitherto been a broad unbroken stream, was now divided 
"by numerous islands into many channels. The shores also were lined with a higher 
growth of underwood, and thickets of small birch trees alternated with grassy or 
mossy banks. The tide was also sluggish. Pitching our tents, we found the ground 
beneath the tundra frozen, so that we were unable to drive in our pegs. According 
to our calculation we must have made a run of at least sixty miles. Although we both 
felt cold and chilly during the long day's sail, the Lord again graciously preserved us 
from all ill effects. 

June 20, Friday. — We were up at 6 a. m. After a cup of tea we started for Mum- 
trekhlagamute, the station of the Alaska Commercial Company nearest to the mouth 
of the river, and the residence of the native trader, Nicolai Komolkosheu. Again en- 
tering the broad part of the river, we sailed along swiftly between its many islands 
before a fine breeze. Away in the distance, to the left, there appeared a stretch of 
high laud, for which we nmde. Before reaching it, we came abreast of the village 
of Napahaiagamnte. Off this village we fell in with a number of Eskimos in their 
kayaks, fishing for salmou with gill-nets.* Leaving another village, that of Napas- 
kiagamute, to the right, and again rouudiug an island, we at length came in sight of 
the important station Mnmtrekhlagamute. We were greatly cheered by the view of 
this station, situated on a high bank, with a background of pine forest. The text 
for the day was very encouraging and remarkable — "God said unto Jacob, Arise, go 
up to Bethel, and dwell there, and make there an altar unto God that appeared unto 
thee." It seemed as though the Lord were now' speaking to us in these words, and 
were thereby pointing out the place for our future operations amongst the Eskimos. 

In spite of our being warmly clad, we felt the cold, and were glad to step on shore. 
Our approach was watched by a number of people and about ten dogs, which ran up 
and down the banks in a lively manner, giving us a hearty canine greeting. Eskimo 
dogs how^l and do not bark. Our boats were soon safely moored, and on landing we 
were welcomed by Mrs. Nicolai, Mrs. Zipri, Mrs. Dormentoff, and other natives. We 
were soon comfortably housed, and invitetl to partake of a well-cooked meal and a 
very fair cup of coffee, all prepared by the Eskimo ladies. It was very pleasing to 
observe what an effect civilizing influences had produced upon these Eskimo women. 
They were simply but neatly dressed in European costume, jjiesenting a clean and 
tidy appearance. They moved about so quickly and deftly, doing all they could to 
make us comfortable. We regretted our inability to converse with them! The sta- 
tion consists of two large, well-built log houses, the one serving as the lodging-house, 
the other as the store, together with a few smaller ones. There is also a "kashima," 
or Russian bath-house. The boats, being unladen, were hauled ashore, turned over, 
dried and oiled, to prepare them for the long journey up the river. Mr. Lind was 
present in the evening, when we again besought the Lord to bless and prosper our 
undertaking. Nicolai speaks Russian well, and is anxious to learn English, of which 
he knows enough to say: "School here, me A B C." We had very good beds made 
up for us on the floor, and slept well. 

June 21, Saturday. — After breakfast, we carried on a long parley with our crew, 
through Mr. Lind and Nicolai. They refused to go up the river to Kolmakovsky, and 
also demanded payment at the rate of fifty cents. After a long argument, in which 
old Washili warmly maintained his ground, Mr. Lind told them that if they did not 

*A8 a rule, the Eskimos of Alaska use no hook and line, but either a gill-net or a trap. The gill-net 
s square, and constructed either of twine bought of the trader, or of leather straps cut from the tanned 
hide of some animal. 




I 








ESKIMO FAMILY ON THE KUSKOKWIM RIVER, ALASKA 

(Uncivilized). 




HELIOTYPE PRlNTiNG CO. BOSTON, MASS 



ESKIMO FAMILY ON KUSKOKWIM RIVER, ALASKA. 
(Civilized). 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 63 

obey our orders to go up the river and were not content with twenty-five cents a day, 
they would get nothing at ail. The natives then accepted onr terms, which were 
more than the usual pay, nor had we any further trouble with tiieiu throughout the 
rest of our journey. We were most thankful for the kind assistance of the traders, 
for had we been alone we should have been most awkwardly situated. 

This long parley over, Nicolai and our crew examined our bidarkas, and rejected 
one as unsafe for traveling purposes. It was left here in the care of old Washili to 
be covered with new skins, whilst we went forward to Kolmakovsky. 

June 22. Siiudaj/.—VCe feel the want of Christian fellowship more on Sunday than on 
any other day, for here no distinction is made between the Lord's Day and any other. 

There appear to us to be three alternatives in establishing a mission on this river. 
A missionary might be stationed either at a trading post or in a suitable locality at 
a little distance from a trading post; or, thirdly, in an Eskimo village. 

The first of these methods appears to be the most practicable. In commencing 
work at a trading post, we should have the immediate assistance of the traders, and 
their children would form the nucleus of a school. A number of Eskimos visiting 
the station for trading purposes, and bringing their children with them, would come 
within our reach, and might, by the influence of the trader, be induced to leave their 
children under our care. On account of the mendicant and uncleanly habits of the 
Eskimos the traders purposely establish their stations at some distance from their 
villages and allow none to settle in the immediate vicinity of the station.' Were mis- 
sion work commenced at a station, the traders wonld render our missionaries valuable 
assistance in the learning of the language. 

Secondly, at a distance from a trader's post, we might be more independent, but 
uot having anything to ofter for sale to the natives, it is questionable whether the 
latter would visit us, and whether they could be induced to leave their children with 
us. On the other hand, Eskimos, once converted and civilized, might, by the grace 
of God, be induced to make the mission station their home, and thus to form the nu- 
cleus of a congregation. 

Thirdly, a settlement at or near an Eskimo village would cei'taiuly be most calcu- 
lated to afibrd opportunities for constant intercourse with the natives — a matter of 
great importance. The only drawback we see to this plan is the fact that the native 
villages are all situated in low, damp ground, and are thus exposed to the periodical 
inundations of the river. 

Weighing all these considerations, we judge Mumtrekhlagamute to be certainly the 
most favorable place we have yet seen for the commencement of our mission. 

June 23, Monday. — To-day I i)hotographed the station. It is situated at a bend of 
the river and on a bank, some 10 or 12 feet above high water. The tide here rises 
about 4 feet. The breadth of the stream at this bend of a right angle is considerable, 
and to the left of the village an unbroken expanse of water stretches eastward in a 
long vista. A small pine forest about half a mile behind the station extends a good 
way along the Kuskokwim. The high land down the river and beyond the pine forest 
is destitute of trees and shrubs, covered w-ith tundra, and intersected by swamps and 
small lakes, w hich make a land journey in summer almost impossible. The surround- 
ing country is dreary and monotonous, but can it be more so than the coast of Lab- 
rador, where our brethren commenced their labors of love more than a hundred years 
ago ? If that country was suitable for missionary enterprise, surely this is much 
more so, as the natives are here far more numerous than in Labrador. 

We are very desirous of proceeding on our Avay, but are obliged to wait the agent's 
time. How we wish we could speak with the natives, but, alas! we have as yet been 
able only to gather a few words and phrases. At 10.30 p. m. I read the 116th Psalm 
in small print with the aid of my glasses. I lay awake until 1 a. m., and even at that 
late, or rather early, hour the light seemed only a little dimmer than before. 

June 25, Wednesday. — During the night we heard the dogs making a great noise. 
On our inquiring the cause, Mr. Liud told us that Tetka, his half-blind interjjreter, 
had been wrestling with another young native. And what had been the object of 
this struggle ? To obtain possession of the young man's wife ! It seems that if a na- 
tive woman is agreeable to an exchange of husbands, the question of her possession 
is decided by a wrestling match between the two rivals, and the victor carries otf the 
woman. The vanquished combatant does not appear to entertain the slightest feel- 
ing of anger or resentment against his more successful opponent. This custom shows 
how little importance the Eskimos attach to the virtue of conjugal fidelity. 

The traders, in doing business with the Eskimo, are obliged to allow them con- 
siderable credit. Some natives pay their debts honestly, whilst others do not. The 
traders, however, refuse to deal with those remiss in this respect until old debts are 
paid. 

June 25, Wednesday. — At 4 p. m. we left Mumtrekhlagamute for Kolmakovsky. The 
wind was at first favorable, but as the river soon made a sharp turn it blew directly 
in our faces, and our eight oarsmen had to exert themselves considerably. The banks 
were low and covered with pines, varying in height from 25 to 40 feet. The average 



64 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

breadth of the main eliaiine] i.s here about three-quarters of a mile. About 'J p. m. we 
lauded, and, pitching our teat, found it the best protectiou against the troublesome 
mosquitoes. 

June '2(), Thnrsdaif. — The wind favored our departure at 9 a. m., i)ut as it soon died 
away we could only creep slowly along. The weather was beautiful, the sky cloud- 
less, the heat tempered by a delicious breeze, and our journey up tlie stream would 
altogether have been most delightful had it not been for the annoyance caused by the 
mostjuitoes. At 8 p. m. we reached the- village of Kikkhlagamute, situated not far 
from the river, on the banks of a deep though narrow channel. A number of men 
met us on landing, saluting us with their usual "Tshamai, tshamai" (How do you 
do?), and shaking hands with us, thus giving us the lirst welcome of the kind we 
have i"eceived. We here coiiuti'd 50 birch-bark canoes, which on the upper part of 
the river take the place of the skin boats. We walked through the village, and were 
interested to observe thi^ mementoes erected in memory of the departed. We regretted 
that this village, with its many children and its total population of some 216 inhab- 
itants, was situated in such low, marshy ground. Had there been any high land in 
the neighborhood we should have considered it a favorable site for the establishment 
of a mission station. 

June 27, Friday. — Leaving this place at 8 a. m., we made but slow progress during 
the forenoon, and stopped for dinner at a small Eskimo tishing station. Here we saw 
Nicolai's brother, who greatly resembles him, and also others of his relations. Pro- 
ceeding on our journey, we fell in with a white man, Mr. Langtree, a miner, who had 
been up the river on a prospecting tour. He was the only white man we saw on the 
Kuskokwim, with the exception of Mr. Lind, the trader. Akiagamute was I'eached 
at 4 p. m. Nicolai, having accompanied us thus far, now left us, returning home iu 
a three-holed bidarka. Although it was still early in the day, Mr. Lind (lecided to 
encamp here. It was a most lovely evening, the sun not setting until a quarter past 
9. The river was as smooth as a mirror, not a breath of air stirring. Had it not been 
for the annoyance caused by the mosquitoes, we should thoroughly have enjoyed the 
contemplation of the peaceful scene around u«. 

June 28, Saturday. — We were on our way again at 6 a. m. lulukiak was reached 
by dinner-time, and towards eveniug we arrived otf the village of Kivigalogamute, 
situated at the mouth of a river of the same name, not visible from our point. We 
halted at a place where a half-breed has established himself and carries on a fishing 
business. Iu the evening rain began to fall, the first of anj' consequence since we 
left Unalashka. I could not but notice how scattered and comparatively small is the 
population inhabiting the banks of this large river. A mission established at any point 
on the stream could only reach a few of the natives, but though the first beginnings 
may be small,' the work will probably grow and prosper. The labor will be arduous, 
and the love of Christ can alone constrain brethren and sisters to undertake the task. 

June 29, Sunday. — The day was rainy, though a fair wind prevailed. We dined at 
Ugavik, or Ogavigamute, Mr Lind having some busine'ss to transact there. The 
Lord's Day was not observed in any public manner. At this village some men, women, 
and children came towards me, holding their hands before them, laid one upon the 
other, palms upward, and looking me in the face, as if expecting to receive some gift. 
Not knowing what this act might mean I put my right hand upon theirs, and nodding, 
said "Tshamai." This seemed to satisfy them, for they presently withdrew. I learned 
afterwards from Mr. Lind that they are accustomed in this svay to present themselves 
to the priest for his blessing, which consists in his making the sign of the cross upon 
them. This showed us that we were again in a region where the Greek Church has 
influence, and proves also that these people know nothing of denominational differ- 
ences and creeds. 

On the opposite bank of the river is a long stretch of high land, quite suitable for 
the site of a mission station. The village is one of the larger ones. Not far from 
here a portage is made to the Yukon, a distance of 60 miles. The mosquitoes had 
now disappeared, but wind and rain taking their place, our journey became most 
trying. We found our seat on the top of some bales a very cold one, and got rather 
wet in spite of all our x>recautious. I had to pray for help to endure the hardships 
and fatigues of the way. We camped for the night at lookhlagamute. 

June 30, Monday. — Our rubber boots ])roved very serviceable in the wet weather 
prevalent again. The wind was favorable throughout the whole of the day, except 
at those points where the river made a bend. The boats were laden with goods al- 
most to their utmost extent, and, perched on the top, we sat, or knelt, or squatted, 
leaning first on one side and then on the other, and now and then standing up, iu 
order to give our limbs as much change as possible. Cold and shivering, and aston- 
ished that we were able to bare exposure to such inclement weather, we continued 
our journey, the Lord sustaining us. For a short distance it blew almost a gale, and 
the large square sail had to be reefed. 

Landing amid wind and rain at Kalkhagamute, we cooked and ate our dinner 
among the dripping bushes iu a low scrub close to the village. Then going with Mr. 
Lind into the village, we entered the kashima and warmed ourselves. 




KSKIMO MOXUAIKNTS, KU8KOK\VIM KIVER. 
From a photograph by Messrs. Hartiuauu &. Weinlaml. 




FliAMES FOK DKYIXG FISH. 
From a photogrfiph by Messrs. Hartuiaun it Weinlaml. 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 65 

On our trip vre were greatly anmsed by one of tlie natives, an oarsman in another 
boat. His only garment was an old, worn-out wkin parka; and this being soaked 
through and through, and his hair drijiping with wet, we called him the " watei'-rat, "; 
for he looked more like that than anything else. He is a good si)ecimen of a weather- 
beaten Eskimo, quite inditferent to the attacks of the mosquitoes in Avarm weather, 
as well as to wind and rain in wet. All the natives we met were very friendly, nor 
did Ave ever detect them in any attempt to steal; they seem to be an honest i)eople. 

Jtili/ 1, Tuesdan. — Starting at S a. m., we reached Ookhogamute after a run of three 
hours, and there halted for dinner. I entered one of the barrabaras, which are built 
like the kashima, but are smaller. If these places were kept clean they might be 
comfortable enough ; the inconvenience caused by the smoke might be ubviated by 
the erection of an iron stove in the center, with a pipe passing through the roof. 
They are certainly warm dwellings, and with a little troiible could be finished oif in- 
side and made lit for the habitation of white men. Dormeutotf's boat sail being old, 
Laving sutfered from the strong wind, was taken asHore and mended by some of the 
Eskimo women. Whilst I stood watching their mode of sewing, a young woman rose, 
came up to ine, and commenced crossing herself at a great rate. I stopped her, say- 
ing, "That will do," when she desisted, and returned to her occupation. One unus- 
ually tall man arre-ted my attention, his large hands presenting a striking contrast 
to the .generally diminutive size of that member amongst the Eskimos. 

The weather cleared up somewhat while we staid here, but the wind was decidedly 
cool. The fine weather did not last long. Soon after we started the sky again be- 
came overcast, the wind abated, and a tine drizzling rain set in. The banks now be- 
came higher, and were lined at the Avater's edge with graA^el. On we went in a set- 
tled rain. I got out our tent and covered myself Aviih it, with my back turned to the 
storm. Brother Weinland and I sat side by side, comfortmg one another with the re- 
flection that this unpleasant state of things could not last long. At H p. m. we made 
for the lower end of an island where we wished to encamp for the uight. 'We had 
considerable difficulty in accomplishing our jjurpose, as our large skin-boat was so 
heavily laden. The current is here very strong, and our crew of eight men were 
either tired or lazy. Amid pouring rain tents Avere pitched, a fire Avas kindled, and 
supper cooked and eaten. Our blankets, as well as our other AA'raps, felt damp, but 
the Lord jireserved us from harm, and Ave slept well. 

July 2, Wednesday. — Though the weather outside was tempestuous, Ave pavssed a com- 
fortable night inside our tent. Mr. Liud calls his eight oarsmen a lazy set of men, and 
says that the natives do not respect a man unless they fear him. He further stated 
that it would be out of the question for him to love the natives. We found, however, 
by experience, that it is quite possible to manage the Eskimos without resorting to 
severe and unkind measures. The wind rising at 10 a. m., Ave resumed our journey 
in the rain. The strength of the current three times baffled our endeavors to round a 
low bank Avhich stretched far out into the river. This circumstance caused our helms- 
man to giA'e vent to his feelings in strong language, Avhich he afterwards begged us 
to excuse, stating that such Avas not his Avont. One more long and strong pull and 
the hoisting of the sail just at the proper moment crowned our efforts with success. 
A favorable breeze soon brought us to a small A'illage, Avhere we halted for dinner. 
Then on again in wind and rain until 11 p. m., when Ave at last reached our camping 
jdace and pitched our tents within a day's journey of Kolmakovsky. The Lord be 
praised! 

July 3, Thursday. — Mr. Lind left us with two natives iu our three-holed bidarkaat? 
a. m., and, as Ave afterwards learnt, reached Kolmakovsky about noon. We in our 
large boat had a long and tedious day's journey. The wind dying away completely, 
some of our men went on shore and toAved the boat along for a considerable distance 
by means of a rope fastened to the mast. This was hard work. Mr. Lind's place at 
the helm was taken by a native trader who had joined us. This man's features dif- 
fered from those of the Eskimos, and we were thus reminded of the fact that we were 
approaching the boundary line separating the Eskimos from the Ingaliks of the in- 
terior. All day Ave Avere passing along a range of high, snoAv-covered mountains. 
For the greater part of the way, however, these were hidden from our view b^' a lower, 
"wooded range, skirting the bank of the river. Occasionally Ave enjoyed a peep into 
pine-covered glens. 

As we came in sight of Koluuikovsky we were very much amused with Tetka, Mr. 
Lind's interpreter, who blew off a can and a half of powder Avith an old musket to 
give notice of our approach. At last, alter a journey of nine days from Mumtrekh- 
lagamute, we reached Kolmakovsky at 9 p. m., and right glad we were to enter Mr. 
Lind's hospitable dwelling. The Lord has wonderfully helped us thus far, and we 
belieA'e that He Avill aid us throughout the rest of our journeyings, and guide us to 
the attainment of our object, namely, the discovery of a suitable place for the estab- 
lishment of a mission amongst the Eskimos. 

July 4, Friday. — Mr. Lind having prepared a good bed for us on the floor, on a 
large spring mattress (a special luxury), aa-b had promised ourselves a good night's 

7018 AL 5 



66 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

rest. Scarcely had we laiu down, however, when tlie mosquitoes besau attacking us 
iu a most iiersisteiit manner. We bore it for a time, but at hist the buzzing of these 
little creatures increased to such an alarmiug extent that up we both started, almost 
simultaneously, to take vengeance ou our persecutors. A wholesale massacre com- 
menced, and continued by the light of a candle for at least an hour. At last, thinking 
we had completely got rid of these unwelcome visitors, we returned to our tine spring 
mattress. But, alas, our room was soon again tilled with fresh swarms of these in- 
sects. They got the better of us, and kept me, at least, awake all night. It is im- 
possible to ignore them. They, assert their presence far too demonstratively to admit 
of that. 

Kolmakovsky consists of seven log-buildings, built in the form of a square, open 
towards the river. That hexagonal erection, the fort iu days gone by, is forty years 
old. The church, an old building, with a rather rough interior, contains a few shabby 
oil paintings with candlesticks in front of them. The (ireek priest from the Yukon, 
a half-breed, conies hither everj( winter. On receiving notice of his intended visit, a 
number of natives assemble here, some of them from a considerable distance. The 
priest keeps no services ; his chief pastoral duty is to perform the marriage ceremony. 
The fact that this place is under Greek Church intlueuce militates against its selec- 
tion as the site of a mission station. - A beginning might be made here, how-ever, by 
opening a school, for though the pojtulation is lliin and scattered, there are a num- 
ber of "children in the place and neighborhood. Messrs. Lind and Zipri have seven, 
and their employes several. The former says there are about fifty children at Pai- 
mute, a village ten miles higher up the river. 

Juhi ."i, Saturday.— Wexe,, as was the case at the lower station, we are well enter- 
tained and cared for. The weather is still very changeable, being alternately bright 
and rainy. I was engaged for the greater part of the day in developing the photo- 
graphs taken ou our journey. Mr. Liud made Brother Weinland a present of a beau- 
tiful paika, or skin coat, and a pair of boots. 

July ii, Sunday. — Mr. Liud having paid oft' his men, they had all left, and the place 
seemed quiet in consequence. The a\ eather continued dull and showery. Wherever 
our miesionaries may ultimately settle, they cannot but feel isolated and lonely in this 
country. All the white traders we have met with have adopted native women as 
their partners. The civilized Eskimo women seem very decorous in their manners 
and behavior. Their children are of prepossessing appearance, are dressed in Euro- 
pean fashion, and are trained in the ways of their white fathers. 

July 7, Monday. — The weather was wet all day, and everything in our tent feels 
damp. It is astonishing to us that we do not suffer from this trying weather, but the 
Lord wonderfully preserves us from all harm. 

Mr. Lind has the finest Eskimo dogs we have met with. I succeeded iu photo- 
graphing his favorite. One drawback attending the.se dogs, however, is the noise 
they make at night. One begins the howling, another joins him in a different key, a 
third and a fourth swell the discordant chorus, and each terrible outburst lasts at 
least five minutes, with various crescendos and diminuendos. We were frequently 
obliged to laugh at the very absurdity of the uproar, though it invariably roused us 
from our sleep. 

The next day Brother Weinland and I went ten miles up the river to see the village 
Napaimute. We found a few barrabaras, all in a dilapidated condition, and not many 
inhabitants. The journey thither took two hours and a quarter, but we returned 
with the stream iu fifty-five minutes. 

Juhi 9, Wednesday.— Cheered by the promising appearance of the weather, we began 
packing up our things after breakfast. Hitherto we had been cared for by the traders, 
but now we were about to be cast entirely upon our own resources. We were obliged 
to make our way back to Nushagak iu our long skin-boats, a distance of about COO 
miles. Equipping ourselves with the provisions necessary for the comparatively short 
journey to Mumtrekhlagamute, we left Kolmakovsky at 2.20 p. m., after bidding 
good-bye to Messrs. Lind and Dormeutotif and their wives, who had still before them 
a 20 days' tedious journey up the river to Venizali. Mr. Lind kindly lent us one of 
his boats, as one of ours had been left at Nicolai's for repairs. He also sent with us 
a young native about sixteen years of age, as a fourth oarsman, the elder Washili 
having been left at Mumtrekhlaoamute to superintend the repairing of oue of our 
boats. The weather was fair, and we traveled so rapidly that in five hours we trav- 
ersed a distance which had been a two-days' journey in coming up the stream. We 
stopped at the spot which had been our second last haltiug-place when ascending the 
river. Here the natives lighted a fire, and presently our supper of tea, bread, and 
fried salmon was ready. A little before nine we resumed our journey, intending to 
proceed all night if possible. At midnight we found that we had traveled as far as 
in three days whilst^ascending the stream, and thought it best to encamp for the re- 
mainder of the night. Not having been able to secure an old tent for our men, we 
shared ours with the younger Washili and the boy, leaving the other two to find 
shelter as best they might. 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 67 

July 10, Thursday. — Contrary to our expectations, it rained during the night. 
Whilst we were having our breakfast the weather cleared somewhat, and we again 
started on our way a little after 11. Whi'o we stopped for dinner oif the village of 
Ugavik, a number of natives came in 1 heir bark canoes to see us, astonished, no doubt, 
by the unusual sight of white men on the river. Here we procured a large salmon iu 
exchange for a small piece of tobacco. Starting again we had a race with the natives, 
which caused great amusement ro all. Soon the I'ain began again in right good earn- 
est. The traveler sitting in the bidarka up to his waist is better able to protect 
himself against -the wet than when seated in the open skin-boats, provided he is 
furnished with a rain-coat, such as we, unfortunately, had not. Our heavy rubber 
coats, made to open in front, were not sufficient to protect us from the wet. I may 
here give my readers a description of the native rain-coat, such as we procured at a 
later stage of our journey. It is made of the intestines of the seal or walrus, so 
closely sewn together by native women as to be waterproof. The shape is that of a 
wide shirt, opening at the top into a hnofi, titting closely round the head. The coat 
is tied round the outside circular rim of the hole in which the traveler is seated, and 
in this way the rain is i)revented from entering the boat. The garment is made so 
large and roomy that its wearer can pull iu his arms and warm his hands iii his coat 
pockets. As we did not yet enjoy this protection, we were obliged to fortify our- 
selves agaiust the wet by means of our rubber coats and blankets. 

The lad who had accompanied us from Kolmakovsky, having nothing on but an 
old dilapidated skin parka., got thoroughly wet. The poor fellow was naturally very 
talkative, and had hitherto kept up a constant chatter with the others, but now re- 
lapsed into silence. He shivered all over and seemed no longer able to paddle. 

Having passed otir tifth camping place of the upward voyage, our men redoubled 
their exertions, and we soon reached a small fishing station occupied by only two 
Eskimo families. Here we halted for the night. The natives were very friendly and 
obliging. As this place is situated near one of the pine forests here and there skirt- 
ing the river, the mosquitoes were very troublesome. We are gradually getting into 
the way of cooking our own meals, and being in good health, are able thankfully to 
enjoy whatever the Lord gives us. To-daj^ we traveled about sixty miles. 

July 11, Friday. — We set off again at 8.30 a. m., the weather being tine, though the 
sky was clouded. Traveling is pleasant enough as long as the rain keeps off, and the 
wind drives away the mosquitoes. 

After dinner an aged native, evidently suffering from some complaint, tried to ex- 
plain to us the nature of his disease, but in vain. A few pills seemed to satisfy him. 
Poor fellow! how we wished we could help him. The missionaries who may be ap- 
pointed to the work in Alaska ought to have some medical knowledge. At 7.30 p. m. 
we stopped to take supper not far from the place where we had passed the tirst night 
after leaving Mumtrekhlagamute on our way up the river. During the afternoon's 
voyage the water, lashed by the wind into considerable waves, occasionally washed 
over the forepart of our boats, wetting the man in the front hole. 

At 8.15 p. m. we se* out once more, with the intention of reaching Nicolai's station 
that night if possible. Our oarsmen making every exertion, we arrived at Mum- 
trekhlagamute about 10 p. m. We thus completed the first stage of our homeward 
journey, having traversed a distance of about 240 miles iu two and a half days. Every 
one at the station seemed to have retired to rest, but presently all were astir, and our 
boats were soon hauled on shore and unloaded. After partaking of a cup of tea and 
some bread and butter, prepared for us by Mrs. Nicolai, we retired to our tent, thank- 
ful to the Lord for having pres( rved us thus far on our way down the river. 

July 1*2, Saturday. — During the night the wind was high, shaking our tent consider- 
ably, though not disturbing us. 

We learnt from Nicolai that his trading journeys extend to the low country lying 
along the coast between the Kuskokwim and the Yukon, and even to the island of 
Nunivak. Missionaries settled here would be able to travel about in comi^any with 
Nicolai aiicl have the benefit of his assistance. We learnt to like him and his wife, 
they were so quiet, i)leasant, and obliging. Nicolai is very anxious to learn English, 
of which language he has some slight knowledge. He would soon attain a certain 
degree of proficiency, and would then make an excellent interpreter for the mission- 
aries on such journeys. He hopes and expects that the missionaries will settle at his 
station. 

July 13, Sunday. — About mid-day, the weather promising to clear up, old Washili 
insisted upon starting. We told him that we should continue our journey on the 
morrow, but were not ready to do so to-day. Nicolai very promptly settled him by 
telling him to go alone if he was in such a hurry to be off; the other three did not 
manifest the same impatience. 

July 14, Monday. — I bought from Nicolai an old tent for the use of our men, and a 
skin parka, which his sister enlarged and made comfortable for me. We sold him our 
rifle, as we had not found any use for it. 

Our equipment for our three weeks' journey to Nushagak involved quite a formidable 



68 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

list of articles. Our sii))itlie8 incIiuUd : tea, 5 pounds; sugar, 30 pounds; salt, 1 paorkel; 
ground cofit'ee, 2 tins; butter, 1 tin; pei)i)er, 1 tin; condensed milk, G tins; canned 
fruits, 1 dozen tins ; jiilot bread, 1 box. Further, we bad with us a shot-gun, with 
aiuuiunition, a lent, tberuiMueter, harometer, telescope, compass, saw, hatchet, ax, 
spade, matches, candles, two satchels containing a change of underclothing, our bed- 
ding, the ])hotographing apparatus, and, for purposes of barter with the natives, two 
pieces of jiriuted calico, together with au assortment of knives, pijjcs, beads, and 
forty-ftlur pounds of tobacco. 

How sucli a quantily of things were to be packed into or onto oup two bidarkas it 
was hard to say. But it was accomplished. These last are 27 feet long, about 22 
inches wide, and a loot deep at the center hole, tapering fore and aft to a point. The 
boats were covered with skins of the sea lion, and fun.ishcd with holes tor three oc- 
cupants. After ]»acking all our things into bundles sufficiently small, we put them 
through these holes and pushed them into the corners with a stick. We had to be 
careful to leave i-oom for our legs, as we were obliged to sit with ihem stretched out, 
being unalile to assume the crouching posture of the natives. Our tent poles, frying 
pans, and other articles of iucouvenieut shape were fastened by straps to the tojt of 
the boats. 

Thus equipped and ready for our long return journey to Nushagak, we bade farewell 
to Nicolai and his family. At 8 a. m. our boats were launched, and we took our s^ats, 
each in the center hole of his respective bidarka. Our bedding, being folded up, 
served as a cushion. The text for the day was : " There failed not aught of any good 
thing which the Lord had spoken unto the house of Israel; all came to pass." (Josh, 
xxi, 45.) We looked back on the past with thankfulness, and forward to the future 
with confidence and courage. 

He who has helped us hitherto — 

Will help us all our jonruey through. 

Six miles from Mumtrekhlagamute lies Napaskiachamute, on the left bank of the 
river. It would appear to be a large village, and to be sufficiently near the trading 
post to be readily accessible to missionaries stationed there. A two hours' voyage 
thence brought us in sight of Napahaiagamute, lying not far from the high laud 
on the right bank of the stream. Towards noon we reached Lomavigamute, where 
we procured some tish in exchange for a little tobacco, and enjoyed a good dinner. 
The wind by this time had abated, and the water was as smooth as glass. Traveling 
under such circumstances was most pleasant. Far away on the southwestern horizon 
blue sky appeared, an indication of coming fine weather. All felt cheered and hope- 
ful. The ebb tide favoring our course, towards evening we pitched our tents for the 
night at the village of Naghaikhlavigamute. Our boats with their cargoes were car- 
ried up the bank and placed on the grass near our tents. This was our usual mode 
of procedure w^heu camping for -the night. 

July 1.5, Tuesday. — We started at 8 a. m., with the ebb of the tide, and hoped to 
make good progress during the day, the weather being fine ; but our men took it into 
their heads to work across the river, the opposite bank of which was just visible. 
About noon, therefore, we landed at a village on the other side, called Chlugachamute. 
Here our crews gave us to understand that they would not be able to proceed until 
the tide was again up, and we were obliged to wait there for three weary hours. We 
examined th^ village, and found it to be one of the dirtiest we had seen. It is situ- 
ated on a very small and very muddy creek, left dry at low tide. Rotten fish lay all 
around, offensive both to sight and smell. 

The staple food of the Eskimos consists of fish found in such abundance that the 
people are inexcusably wasteful in their use of them. The natives eat them either 
raw or dried, or in the first stage of putrefaction. To produce this they dig a hole in 
the ground, into which they place grass or matting; they then fill the cavity with 
fish, covering it over with grass and earth. The heads and roes of salmon are sub- 
jected to the same treatment. The latter, from being a beautiful pink hue, become 
■white and slimy. I was able to eat the dried fish, but, unless in a famished condition, 
could not bring myself to touch what was partly decomposed. 

At last we continued our journey. When in the middle of the stream we only just 
succeeded in passing over a mudbank. Then we understood why our crews had 
■waited for the tide. 

Having been without food since morning, and the sun's rays being hot and untem- 
pered by any refreshing breeze, I became very drowsy and fell asleep. Presently I was 
awakened by the voiceof Brother Weinland, as he endeavored to induce our crews to 
proceed on their way. Our boats were lying alongside one another, and some of the 
young men had gone to sleep. At last Brother Weinland succeeded in persuading 
them to move on. Reaching Apokachamute early in the evening, we were obliged to 
encamp here for the night, as our men were unwilling to proceed any farther. A 
number of natives assisted in hauling our boats up the steep banks. We were both 
very hungry, and ate with great relish our supper of fried salmon, bread and butter,. 



f 




BIDARKA TIJAVELIXG; liEADY TO STAHT. 

fFrom a photograph l)> Messrs. Hartiuann & "U'einland. 




ESKIMO VILLAGE, KIYACK, DOG-SLEU, ETC. 
From a photojriapli by Messrs. Harliuann & Weinland. 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 69 

anA canned peaches. Whilst preparing; supper, we observed a funeral proces.sion 
makinjj its way towards the place of bnrial. Some men carrvinf; a rude coffin headed 
the humble cortege, then came others bearing the dead body wrapped in fur. The 
remains of the departed were followed by the bereaved widow and children, and by 
other persons carryin<j the personal property of the departed. After the body had 
been placed in the cothn, the latter was raisetl upon loo-s so as to be out of the reach 
of animals, and snrrounded by all the belongings of the deceased. Oh, how we longed 
to tell these poor peoi)le of the Lord Jesus, who is the Resurrection and the Life. 
May they soon learn to know Him ! 

A number of men and women gathered, as usual, at the door of onr tent, to see the 
white men eat. We tried to talk witli them, and managed to make one old wymau 
understand that she ought to wash herself. She said she had no soap ; nevertheless, 
wishing to please ns, she pulled nj) some of the wet tundra., or moss, and cleaned her 
dirty face before us. Soon a marked improvement was effected in her appearance. 
A young girl who stood by, with tine rosy cheeks, dark, well-set eyes, would have 
been decidedly hancisome had she only been a little less regardless of her personal 
appearance. Who will help to buy soap and combs for the Eskimos of Alaska, as 
well as to supply them with schools and teachers, and the pure Gospel in their own 
tongue? The Eskimos are waiting to receive these gifts, and are willing to make 
the best possible use of them. "The fields are white to the harvest; pray ye, there- 
fore, the Lord of the harvest that He will send forth laborers into His harvest." And 
give practical proof of your earnestness by aiding with your substance, in order that 
the work may be speedily commenced. 

Ji(hj l(i, Wednesday. — Leaving Apokachamnte early, at 1 p. m.,we reached the ware- 
house, Avhcre we had to wait .so long before traveling up the river. After dinner and 
a rest, we again started for the village of Quinchachamute, near which the Dora had 
anchored on our arrival in the estuary of the Kuskokwim River. Here our patience 
was now put to a severe test. The rapidly receding tide laid bare immense mud 
banks, stretching for miles down the broad mouth of the river. As each of these had 
to be carefully rounded, our jn-ogress was very slow. The wind being contrary, our 
men kept as close as possible to the banks and pushed the boats along by means of 
poles. It was tedious work. Night closed in and the rain began to fall. At last, 
about 10 p. m., we struck on .a large bank at some distance from the shore, and cov- 
ered by only a few inches of water. We just managed to place our backs to the wind 
and rain, waiting anxiously for the turn of the tide. In about an hour's time we 
■were atloat again, and the boats were pushed on until they once more stuck fast in a 
shallow place. We found it difficult to be cheerful under these circumstances, as our 
rain-coats were not weather-proof, and we were getting a complete wetting. Our 
four natives were in excellent humor all the time, joking and laughing, and calling 
our mud bank " marayah-gamnte" ^mnd village). Feeling very chilly, we helped 
them to push forward the boats as soon as the rising tide once more liberated us. 
Where the bottom of the river permitted it, they occasionally got out and dragged 
the bidarkas through the shallows into deeper water. Our varied efforts to progress 
continued for a long time, until at length the distant howling of dogs announced 
the vicinity of a village. We reached the ])lace at 2 in the morning. Amid wind 
and rain we hauled our boats ashore, pitched our tents, made a fire, and had some- 
thing to eat. Then we retired to rest, and right glad were we to do so, after so many 
hours of exposure and the cramped posture of sitting in a bidarka. But we did not 
forget, first of all, to return thanks to the Lord, who had preserved us from no small 
peril. Had the weather been more stormy, onr frail canoes would have been shat- 
tered, in which case we should never have succeeded in reaching the shore over the 
enormous expanse of mud. 

Jult) 17, Thursda}!. — We rose refreshed at 9.30 a. m. After breakfast natives carae, 
bringing articles for sale, some of which we bought iu exchange for matches, tobacco, 
and other commodities. A.t 2 p. m. we wished to start, but our men were not willing 
to do so, becau.se the wind was blowing. They reiterated the words "Ashietnk, ash- 
ietuk!" (bad.bad !) 

Onr trading with the natives evidently caused them to entertain a good opinion of 
us. One man accosted me with the words, " Ilchpit ashechtnten" (you are good). It 
would certainly not require a great elilbrt. to gain the good-will and confidence of this 
inoffensive and good-natured peo])le. We found them also to be strictly honest. No 
attempt was made by any to steal anything from us. Had they been a greedy and 
savage race, it would have been an easy matter for them to kill and rob us with im- 
punity. We felt, however, quite safe amongst them, and never suspected them of evil 
designs. The Eskiiiios of the Kuskokwim River know nothing as yet of intoxicating 
liquors, and as long as the Alaska Commercial Company uiaiut ains its supremacy in 
these waters we have a guarantee that they will not be introduced amongst them. 
Should spirituous liquors once be imported into the country the destruction of the 
Eskimos would speedily follow, and a serious hindrance would be opposed to the 
preaching of the Gospel. 



70 . EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

July 18, Friday. — Another trying and protracted day's journey. We were called at 
o a. ni. The tide was up, and our men were anxious to get over the immense mud 
banks in the river and reach Good News Bay, or, as the natives call it, " Imachbil 
tshoach" (little sea). After rowing, or rather ])addling, for six hours, we halted for 
dinner. Here tlie mountains skirt the coast ail the way to Cape Neweuham. At 2.30 
p. m. we ]iroceeded, and kept on our way for eleven long hours, skirting the beach al- 
the way, though not so near as to be in danger of breakers washing our boats ashore. 
We greatly admired the endurance and perseverance of our Eskimos. Hour after 
hour they paddled on indefatigably, determined to reach the bay and get into safe 
waters whilst the gentle breeze lasted. Had the wind and waves increased we should 
have had to land, and knew not what length of time we might have been obliged to 
stay on this bleak, unfriendly shore. Presently I grew very tired, my back was .sore 
from leaning so long against the rim of the hole in which I was seated, and my legs 
were stiff with being stretched out in the boat at a right angle to my body. Toward 
night 1 felt sleepy, but the noise of the breakers kei)t me awake. The sea rose and 
washed over the fore parts of otir bidarkas, but we kept the water out by putting on 
our long rain-coats and lashing the lower parts of these garments round the rims of 
the holes of the canoes. 1 prayed that the men might have strength to hold out ; nor 
did they show any signs of giving in. Midnight passed and we were still paddling 
along the coast. At last, about an hour later, we reached the narrow entrance to 
Good News Bay, and safely passed the surf caused by the inflowing lide. It was so 
dark that we could scarcely see the mountains or the shores of the bay. After an- 
other hour's paddling a cone-shaped mountain ahead of us became just visible in the 
dim twilight, and, to our great joy, our men pulled for shore. With some difficulty 
we managed to kindle a tire, and, after a cup of tea, we gratefully lay down in our 
tent, and were soon fast asleep, though the night was now wet and stormy, and our 
tent was considerably shaken by the wind. 

Jidy 19, Saturday. — We slept till 11 a. m., and felt refreshed. The storm, which in- 
creased in violence toward evening, prevented us from continuing our journey. Our 
men hauled the two bikardas higher up the bank out of reach of the high spring tide. 
It was indeed providential that this gale had not arisen the day before, for had such 
been the case I do not know what we should have done along that stretch of solitary 
coast. We came to the conclusion that Good News Bay would not be a suitable place 
for the establishment of a mission station, as there is but one village in the bay and 
an utter absence of timber. 

July 20, Sunday. — Our Sunday in our lonely tent on the beach was rather long and 
"weary. As we had no fresh meat either for ourselves or our crew, we endeavored to 
procure some, and Brother Weinland succeeded in shooting a few sea-gulls. The Itroth 
was excellent, but the meat did not become tender after hours of stewing and boiling. 

July 21, Monday. — The wind somewhat abating, we hurriedly packed up our goods, 
launched our boats, and put on our rubber kamlikas, or coats. These, however, were 
a failure, as they did not keep out the damp. Rain coming on again, and the water 
washing over the boat, we soon got wet and cold. A ten miles' voyage brought us to 
Mumtr^chagamute, the only village in the bay, containing, according to Petroff, about 
150 inhabitants. Whilst we were unpacking and pitching our tent, almost the whole 
village turned out to see us. The natives watched our every movement, but were 
very quiet and well-behaved. They appear to be a mixed race, many being nearly 
white. Here we provided ourselves with fresh fish, the most delicious salmon-trout. 
Whenever the sun shone we tried to dry some of our wet clothes. We were again 
filled with astonishment and gratitude that we were not laid up after exposure to such 
wet and cold. 

July 22, Tuesday. — It was well that last night, before lying down, we lightened the 
fastenings of our tents, for a strong gale springing up from the east shook them ter- 
ribly, whilst the rain poured down in torrents. Some of the tent-pegs were loosened 
by the storm, and I had to go out in the rain to secure them. I could not sleep for 
the cold until I put on my skin parka. 

We are obliged to follow the good, if laconic, advice given to us by Nicolai, when 
we were leaving Mumtrekhlagamute. "No go — eat, sleep. Go — no eat. No eat — 
DO go." By this he meant, '* If you cannot continue your journey, eat and rest ; when 
you can travel, i. e., when the weather is fine, don't spend inueh time in cooking. 
Lastly, if you don't eat ^^'hen you have a chance, you won't be al)le to travel." 

An elderly native entered our tent towards evening, squatted down, and began vio- 
lently crossing himself before us, meaning, I suppose, to show his piety. We stopped 
this proceeding on his part, and only regretted our inability to converse with him. 
Eaiu, rain all day, with but little intermission. 

Jnly 23, Wednesday. — About 7 o'clock this morning we were awakened by some of 
the natives, and found the water beginning to wash into our tent, although this had 
been pitched above high-water mark. Up we started, removed our goods to a still 
Ligher position, and protected them with our rubber blankets against the rain. We 
also quickly took down our tent. After some deliberation, we decided to proceed on 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 71 

our journey af once. Onr crew were nuwilling to start, but we obliged them to do 
80. lu a drizzliug rain we put our things into the boats aud launched theiu. The 
Avind being favorable, we soon entered the mouth of the river we had now to f scend. 

Some reader may ask, " Why not sail along the coast to Togiak ?" Such a voyage 
round Cape Neweiiham, stretching far out into the open sea, would have been much 
too perilous in these frail skin boats of ours. We had already had sufficient expe- 
rience with one day's voyage in bidarkas along an open shore to recognize the de- 
sirability of reaching Togiak Bay by going up this river aud carrying our bojtts aud 
baggage over the watershed to another deliverlTig its waters into the sea on the farther 
sideof the cape. The small, winding stream up which we therefore turned is beautifully 
clear and the current very rapid. Traveling on this river is very different to jour- 
neying on the Kuskokwim, as the boats have to be pushed through the shallows by 
means of poles, which are quickly exchanged for paddles when deep water is reached. 

The suddenness of our departure had obliged us to go without our breakfast, but 
although we felt both cold and hungry we pushed on till noon, when we halted and 
took refreshments. Resuming our journey for some hours, we camped for the night 
close by the beautifully clear stream. A native of Mumtrfichagamute accompanied 
us in his kayak to give assistance at the portage. 

July 24, T/i!<r6rfa//.— Drizzling rain fell all the morning, and we made, but little 
progress before dinner. When the rain ceased, we exchanged our rubber coats for 
our fnrs, and felt the comfort of them. We soon entered a large plain, through which 
the river wound, at first deep and narrow. Presently, however, it became more like a 
deep rut than anything else, aud it would have been impossible to travel up the 
stream in any kind of boat but a bidarka. The rivulet gradually decreased in width 
till there was scarcely room for the boat, which it must be remembered is only 2 
feet wide. It also became shallow, and there were occasionally such abrupt turns 
that the boat, 27 feet in length, could with dilBculty be got through. All getting out, 
the natives pulled the boats over the shallows. It is astonishing what rough usage 
these skin boats can stand ! Brother Weinland and myself walked for about half a mile 
on the soft mossy ground by the side of the river. In many parts this was so swampy 
that our long rubber boots stood us in good stead. Nothing but the occasional ap- 
pearance of the men's heads above the high grass lining the water's edge served to 
indicate the vicinity of a water-course. We were tired out, and glad to spend the 
night at the point where the portage was to be commenced. This was indicated by 
a few sticks placed in the ground, most likely by Mr. Langtree, the miuer, who had 
passed this way a short time before us. The weather had cleared up, and a heavy 
dew at evening promised us fine weather for the morrow. The mountains in this 
part are not rocky, but rounded off, aud covered, like the plain, with tundra, or moss. 
They are totally devoid of timber, though here and there their sides are studded with 
patches of low green bushes. We are both in good health, and bear the fatigues of 
the journey well. 

July 25, Friday. — Got up at 5 a. m., made the fire, and roused the men. The morn- 
ing was foggy, and the wind being W.N.W., gave us hopes of a fine day. Nor were 
we disappointed. After breakfast, we commenced the portage. Whilst the men were 
engaged in transporting our boats across the "divide," as the intervening space of 
ground is technically called, we busied ourselves in packing up our goods in bundles 
of convenient size for the men to carry. By the time they returned we had our bun- 
dles ready for them. Lashing these on their backs by means of ropes, they set off 
once more, and this time we followed them, carrying our satchels in our hands. The 
small caravan resembled a company of peddlers. We found it difficult to walk through 
the swamps and tundra, without any burdens, and were astonished at the heavy 
Aveights the natives could carry. We greatly admired the cheerfulness and willing- 
ness they displayed in the performance of their duties. Presently the fog cleared 
away and the sun shone out. The mosquitoes now reappeared upon the scene, and, 
to make uj) for lost time, assailed us most vigorously. At Lake No. 1 our things 
were put loosely in and on the boats, which two men then paddled across the water, 
whilst the rest rounded the lake on foot. Arrived at the farther shore, the bidarkas 
and the bundles were again carried over the intervening country to Lake No. 2, and in 
this way we continued our journey, until we stopped for dinner at Lake No. 4. These 
lakes are very small, the largest being scarcely a mile in length, and the water they 
contain is beautifully clear and sweet. The natives speared some fish, which were of 
quite a red color. We were told that the appearance of this color in all fish of the 
salmon kind was due to their having migrated from salt water to fresh. Another 
characteristic is a swelling on the back close to the neck. Red salmon are generally 
devoid of that fine flavor which marks the ordinary kind. After dinner, the boats 
were paddled across Lake No. 4, and then boats and goods were carried to the stream 
flowing into Togiak Bay. Here we paid off Makalkah, the native who had accom- 
panied us fiom Muratrachagamute, aud he returned home in his kayak. We once 
more packed everything into our boats, and then launched them ou the stream. We 
found it even worse than the one we had ascended. In one place the banks were so 



72 EDUCATION IN .ALASKA. 

narrow that we hart to rtra<; th« boats throntrh by main force. At anrtther the bend 
was so abrupt that a ])ortioii of the banks had to be cut away to admit of the boats 
passinjr. Bnf matters soon began to menrt. The stream gradually widened, until it 
at last d(!veloped into a winding mountain torrent, alive with trout, some of which, 
we saw shooting through the water with incredible velocity. Our own progress was 
now as rapid as it had previously been slow ; the men had very little paddling to do, 
and our main care was to prevent the boat from running into the bank and breaking 
np. Many a time we were washed broadside against the bank, yet our bidarkas 
grazed it without receiving any injury. 

Traveling under these conditions was most enjoyable. The scenery was very 
beautiful; the view was bounded on either side by we]l-shai)td mountains, rising 
from the plain below, with snow still resting on them in patches. Before camping 
for the night, we first heard and then saw a bear, the only one we met with during 
the whole of our travels. 

Jul}! 26, Saturday. — A beautiful morning, the sun shining bright and warm. After 
a good long rest, we started at 10.30 a. m. down the clear and rapid stream, which by 
this time had attained a considerable size. In a short time clouds again gathered, 
and we had rain for some hours. The region through which we were passing is one 
vast solitude, over which bears and birds hold undivided sway. We took dinner at 
the deserted village of Aziavigamnte, and then made our way in a short time to To- 
giak Bay. Koundiug a headland, we reached the sea once more, and encamped on 
the beach opposite the island of Hagemeister, near the month of a small clear mount- 
ain stream. The weather was bright again, and we had a most lieantiful evening. 
The sea was perfectly calm. On our way, Brother Wemland shot some dnckei, and 
four young geese were hunted down. The natives also speared a large salmon, so that 
we were plentifully supplied with fresh meat. We hope to reach Togiak to-morrow. 
So far the Lord has helped and preserved us. To Him be all the praise! 

July "27, Sunday. — The weather was tine, the sea calm, and, a gentle wind blowing 
in our tavor. we thought it best to proceed on our journey, though it was the Lord's 
day. Thunder-storms were forming in all directions except out at sea, so we fortu- 
nately escaped the heavy showers which pa-ssed along .the shore a little way inland. 
After dinner, we passed under some high clili's, on which immense numbers of sea-birds 
were roosting. 

Here Chimeynue, being troubled with boils, was unable to paddle any more, so the 
boat in which I was seated took the other in tow, and the three other men paddled 
on with renewed energy, intending, if possible, to reach their homes in the village of 
Togiakanuite that evening. This they succeeded in doing by about 10 p. m. Al- 
though we reached ovir destination so late, a good many natives came round us, i)artly 
with the intention of welcoming back our crew. We wftre thoroughly tired out, and 
glad of the night's rest. Thanks to the fine weather, we had once more dry things on 
which to lie down — a comfort we had not enjoyed for some time. 

July 2!*, Monday. — To day we had a most enjoyable period of rest. The weather 
was beautiful, and we made good use of it by drying the rest of our things, which we 
spread out on the gravelly beach. Although many Eskimos were about, we did not 
miss a single article. We enjoyed the sight of the beautiful scenery, so totally dif- 
ferent from that of the Lower Kuskokwim. Out in the glittering bay lie Hagemeister 
aud.the Walrus Islands, bathed, as it were, in blue. All around us are mountains, 
rising either in ranges or in isolated peaks from the plains. 

This was the place and district we had at first agreed to explore, thinking that the 
country bordering on the Togiak Bay might afford a convenient site for the establish- 
ment of a missicm. But as the Greek Church claims the ^\hole of this region as in- 
cluded in the range of lier missionary efforts, we did not wish to interfere. 

Preparations and arrangements for our turther journey employed our afternoon. 
Poor Chimeyune was still unfit for duty, so we paid him about £2 (is. for his forty- 
five days' labor, and engaged iu his stead a man named Mikeila Naumayuli. The 
latter was a very fine «pecinjen of an Eskimo, a well-made, mn.scular fellow, about 6 
feet in height. Towaids evening I accompanied the trader, Demetri Simono witch, iu 
one of his bidarkas to his store, situated on the bay, at a distance of two hours' row 
from the village, a*ud bought from him sea-biscuits, sugar, lard, and flour, in exchange 
for knives. Eeturning to our camp at 10 p. m., I was quite ready for the tea and roast 
fish which Brother Weiuland had prepared. 

A good many of the inhabitants are half-breeds. Some of ihe boys have very good 
features. I was much pleased with one old man, whose acquaintance we had first 
made on arriving here in the' Dora, and who was evidently glad to see us again. 
Had the natives been thievishly inclined, there were many little things lying about 
which they might have taken without fear of detection. 

We intend (D. V. ) ascending the River Tociak as far as Kisianmute in order to make 
ourselves acquainted with the stream and the natives inhabiting its banks. 

July 29, Ti(ei<day. — Slept well till 10 a. m. After leisurely cooking our breakfast 
and packing our things in the boats, we wished to start at once, but our men de- 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 73 

muri'ed, aud we did not set out until 5 p. lu., when we discovered that they had been 
waiting for the high tide to help tlieiu in passing over some shallows at the entrance 
of the river. The Togiak is rapid and beautifully clear, but rather shallow in many 
places. We reached Ikaliulkhaganiute about 7.15 p. ui., and met with a friendly re- 
ception from the natives. The scenery here is beautiful; munnfaius rise from the 
plain on both sides, at no great distance from the river. 

July :50, Wednesday. — I slept badly in consequence of the mosquitoes, and a rash 
which has been troubling me for some days. Before leaving Ikaliulkhagamute we 
procured from the naiives two c.lsbruchs, or rain-coats, made of the intestines of the 
walrus. In exchange for these we gave powder, shot, tobacco, calico, and a knife. 
Soon it began to rain, and then our casbruchs proved very serviceable; indeed, we 
ought to have had them from the commencement of our journey. After we had dined, 
about 2 p. m., amid pouring rain, our men pushed on bravely against the strong cur- 
rent, aud we reached Kisianmute at 5.o0 p. m. Petrott" estimates the population of 
this village at 600 ; but, from actual observation, we conclude that it has only about 
half that number of inhabitants. 

A native, who spoke Russian and was dressed in European costume, constituted 
himself our- servant. Boiling a kettle of water for us, he brought it, and squatted 
down in our tenc. Sending away the other natives, he joined ns at our evening meal 
as if it were a matter of course. We had no objection to his doing this, on account 
of the services he rendered. After supper he washed the cups, knives, aud forks. 
Again, later on in the evening, he boiled another kettle of water aud a pot of salmon- 
berries. We gathered some words from the natives, and found them very willing to 
ieach us. We tried them with our own language, and found that it was more diffi- 
cult for them to pronounce our words than for us to articulate theirs. A group of 
children repeated the A, B, after vis very nicely. 

July 31, Thursday. — We traded with the people for various articles in exchange 
for beads. I photograjihed a group of children and our new boatman, Mikeila. A 
good many of The men at this place cut their hair in a peculiar wav, which causes 
them to resemble monks in appearance. Our voyage down the river was very pleas- 
ant, lifter bartering with the natives at Ikaliulkhagamute for a few more .articles, 
we returned at 5.30 to Togiakamute, where we pitched our tent. We were agreeably 
surprised on our arrival by Demetri handing us a box addressed to ue. Opening it, 
we discovered a letter from Mr. Clarke, who had very kindly sent us the box from 
Nushagak, and hoped that we misiht tind its contents acceptable. It contained 
thirty good cigars, four large cakes of tobacco, two tins of boiled oysters, two of 
corned beef, one of fresh boiled beef, three tins of sardines, one of peaches, one of 
corn, and one of peas. 

Thus we concluded our short trip up the Togiak. Truly the presence of the Lord 
has been with us all through our joaruey. We have suffered no want, aud enjoyed 
good health the whole time. The days are getting a little shorter, and we are glad 
of candles to light our tents at night. 

August 1, Friday. — Again I could not sleep, although I had made my bed as com- 
fortable as circumstances would permit. In order to have a change from the dry 
biscuit (the only bread we have), I made a damper of flour and water, which, though 
not of the first quality, proved very palatable when eaten with our canned butter.' 
We rested to-day, and enjoyed a good sleep in the afternoon. The natives sing mo- 
notonous songs, or, I should rather say, hum them, repeating the words very rapidly. 
The words sound like "Kanga anga ya, angakanga" (ng being pronounced as m 
sang, rang). As they seem fond of singing, it will be a pleasing part of the mission- 
aries' duty to teach them this art. This was my own experience in Australia, and if 
the Eskimos attain the same juoliciency as the Australians, their teachers will feel 
amply rewarded for their trouble. 

Sitting in my tent, and musing on what I had observed of the manners and customs 
of this people, it occurs to me to note briefly soiue of the sights which we have not 
zvitnessed amongst them. 1. As intoxicating liquors are unknown in Alaska, we have 
never seen an Eskimo the worse for drink. 2. We have never witnessed any quar- 
reling amongst them. 3. We have never seen women ill-treated by men. 4. We 
have never detected the natives in any act of dishonestv, nor did they attempt to 
steal from us even when they could have done so unnoticed. 5. We uever have had 
occasion to suspect them of harboring evil designs against us; we were perfectly safe 
amongst them. 

August 2, Saturday. — Leaving Togiakamute at 9.45 a. m., we halted for a few 
minutes at the storehouse, situated at a distance of ten miles from the village, in 
spite of its being so far removed from the trader's dwelling, no depredations are com- 
mitted upon the goods stored there. We j)roceeded along the coast, lined with clifl's 
from 40 to 50 feet high. The weather being favorable, and tlie sea comparatively 
smooth, the journey past the Walrus Islands was delightful. The following are the 
native names of these islands, as I gathered them from the elder Wasliili, our boat- 
man : lughakfuk, Nunaluguk, Nunivriak, Gilchgik, Ajashak, aud lugerachtshuk. . 



74 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

Away ou the other side of the bay is the long island, Kikchtiichpit (Hagemeister). 
At 4 p. m. we stopped for dinner in a rocky recess opposite the fourth island. Not 
thinking it safe to stay over night in this otherwise comfortable retreat, we re-en- 
tered onr boats, and our naen reconiiuenced paddling leisurely along the beautiful 
rock-bound shore. As a land breeze was blowing, the sea was veiy qniet, and tho 
transparency of the water enabled us safely to pass over shallows where the bottom 
of the boat almost grazed the rocks. But what a surf there must be here in a west- 
erly gale! The wind and waves have done their work amongst these rocks; the 
points of some of them are detached from the mainland aTid atford a safe roosting and 
breeding place for large numbers of sea-fowl. At 8.1.5 p. ni. we landed in the large 
bay to the north of Kulluk Bay. After carrying our boats and goods beyond reach 
of the high tide, we pitched our tent amid high, thick grass. A short distance in- 
land there is a small lake containing tish, so if detained here by unfavorable weather 
(for we can only pass this coast in calm weather) we shall be able to follow Nicolai's 
advice, "No go — eat, sleep." We retired to rest with thankful hearts, and were lulled 
to sleep by the sound of the breakers. 

August 3, Sundaif. — A lovely morning. We left our camp at 8.4.5 a. m., and, slowly 
coasting along the gravelly beach, soon came again upon a rocky shore. Some seals 
made their appearance, but were too wary to be caught. In the next bay we came 
upon a curious rock, about 10 feet high, standing in a solitary position near the 
shore. We climbed the steep cliffs, and inspected this singular freak of nature. Its 
name in the native tongue is "Angeraktach." Slowly we moved on, favored with 
delightful weather and a calm sea. At 1 p. m., liaving made but little progress, as 
the natives were in no hurry to press forward, we stopped near a beautifully clear 
mountain stream and dined on some of the small black sea-fowl so plentiful along 
the shore. 

Hitherto we had been protected from the strong land breeze by paddling close 
under the high cliffs. But rounding the next headland we encountered the full force 
of the wind, and experienced a rougher sea than on any previous occasion during our 
journey. The natives put on their clsbruchs, as the sea was washing heavily over 
the forepart of the boats. We could feel the vibration caused by the shock, but for- 
tunately the kayaks were able to resist the strain to which they were thus subjected. 
The shore is lined with rocks, between which the natives steered the boat whenever 
it was safe to do so, in order to avoid the rough water. Kulluk Bay is long and com- 
paratively narrow, and, being inclosed by mountains on both sides, presents a rather 
picturesque appearance. It was late when we entered the bay, but our men were 
anxious to take advantage of the favorable state of the tide in order to reach the place 
from whence the portage has to be made. Now came a long, wearisome journey. 
Hour after hour we traveled on, far into the night. We ascended a winding river by 
moonlight, the dew falling heavily around us, and when the stream diminished in 
width, passed through a succession of swamps and pools, connected by shallow and 
winding channels. At last, about 1 a. m., we encamped for the remainder of the night 
on the banks of a pool of water literally full of fish. 

August 4, Movday. — We both slept well till 10 a. m. The day was beautifully clear 
and warm. Our men searched up and down for wood, and it was hard to say where 
they managed to find some, as there is nothing to be seen in this low, swampy coun- 
try but grass and tundra. At 1 p. m. we began the second portage. The men had 
first of all to poll the boats up a little stream to the head of Lake No. 1, whilst Brother 
Weinland and myself walked across the tundra, along a footpath which had been used 
in portages years ago. Again we entered the boats, and were rowed across the lake. 
Then the kayaks were unloaded, and everything made into bundles, as on the former 
occasion, and carried by the natives to Lake No. 2, which was crossed in the usual way. 
Here we had an instance of the obliging disposition of the Eskimos, and of their will- 
ingness to render us a service. Our last tin of condensed milk and Brother Weinland's 
greatcoat having been left near this lake, young Washili went back to fetch them. 
Then we found that the ax had also been forgotten, and the elder Washili at once 
returned for it. Lakes 3 and 4 are not far apart, and the boats could be dragged 
over the intervening tundra. Lakes 4 and 5 are separated by a swamp, into which we 
sank almost knee deep. Between Lakes 5 and 6 a long portage of a mile or more had 
to be effected across the "divide." It was a hot day, and the mosquitoes and sand-flies 
were very troublesome. The natives exhibited great powers of endurance. We tested 
Mikeila's strength by giving him a very heavy bundle; but he carried it with ease, 
smiling and exclaiming, "Mekuk " (little'). By 8 p. m. boats and goods were safely 
deposited on the southern shore of Lake No. 6, Id miles long and about 3 miles broad. 
All our clothes were dry, the weather tine, and our health good. How gracious the 
Lord has been to us, and how kindly He has led and protected us! 

August .5, Tuesday. — A strong northwest wind having sprung up during the night, 

we were at first unable to proceed. The natives said, "Ashietuk ! Ashietuk!" (bad, 

bad), by way of showing us that it was unadvisable to continue our journey at prea- 

• ent. The wind abating about 4 p. m., we loaded onr boats and started. My steers- 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 75 

mau, old Wasliili, being very cautious, preferred keeping close to the shore. Brother 
Weinland's men at first launched out iuto the middle of the lake, hut after a while 
thought it more prudent to join us. Now and then the boat passed through dense 
shoals of fish. Paddling for two and a half hours brought us to the end of the lake. 
By that time the wind had gone down and the water was again smooth. Rapidly 
shooting down the stream, which forms the outlet of the lake, towards evening we 
reached a small village on a point of land formed by the juncture of another .stream 
with the one we descended. We pitched our tent on the soft tnudra behind the vil- 
lage, and whilst doing this and cooking our supper were much annoyed by the mos- 
quitoes. We were greatly pleased to notice the kind way in which our men treated 
a poor cripple we met with here, carrying him from the village to our camping ground. 
The sanitary condition of this place was moat unsatisfactory. 

August (), Wednesday. — During our journey down the stream we counted in one place 
about one hundred and twenty-five dead fish, and we are told that later on in the 
season the banks are lined with them to the depth of from 6 to 12 inches; Presently 
we entered another lake of considerable size and irregular shape, also closed in by 
mountains. At its southeastern extremity we saw pines for the first time since leav- 
ing Mumtrekhlagamute. The outlet from this lake is very picturesque, the stream 
issuing rapidly between high banks. At 1 p. m. we reached another small village, 
where we took dinner, continuing our journey at 4 p. m. The river soon became 
deeper, broader, and very winding in its course. We were presently exposed to a 
heavy thunder shower, but thanks to our c^sbruchs we escaped a wetting. The 
night was fine and moonlit, and we pitched our tent at the foot of a mountain, 
close by the water's edge. 

August 7, Thursday. — We left our camp at 10 a. m. And now our patience was se- 
verely tried, for, on account of the extremely tortuous nature of the river Igushek, 
we were a little more than two miles in a direct line from our last camping place after 
three hours paddling, w ith the tide in our favor. On our way down. Brother Weinland 
shot about twenty ducks and two geese, and we in our boat captured one goose and 
one duck. We gave our men four ducks, but these not being enough to satisfy them 
they helped themselves to four more. Splendid paddling on the part of our crew 
brought us by 10 p. m. to the mouth of the river. The air was cold enough to make 
us feel thankful for our fur coats. To-morrow we hope to reach Nnshagak. 

August 8, Friday. — We were roused from a sound sleep by our men at .5 a. m., as we 
had to take advantage of the inflowing tide to reach Nnshagak. The morning was 
close, Avarm, and misty. On leaving onr tent, we were beset by such swarms of sand- 
flies as made it difficult for us to pack our boats and prepare breakfast, for one hand 
at least had to be continually employed in keeping these stinging insects from our 
faces and necks. We therefore made haste to latinch as quickly as possible. As we 
proceeded, the mist rose, and was followed by a gentle rain, which did not, however, 
last long. At the mouth of the river we fell in with a large flock of young geese, of 
■which twenty-four were captured. Favored again with magnificent weather, we 
proceeded straight across the bay towards Nnshagak. Our men were kept hard at 
work from 10 a. m. to 6 p. m., when Nnshagak was at length safely reached. We 
were met here and welcomed by Mr. Clarke and others, our boats were drawn ashore, 
and our goods placed by the natives in the company's store. We had supper at Mr. 
Clarke's, who also gave us accommodation for the night. The Lord be praised for 
thus bringing us back again to this place in safety and in health. 



Appendix J. 

SCHOOL RECORDS OF THE COMMOX COUNCIL OF SITKA, ALASKA, 1867-'73. 

Petition for a school. 

Sitka, December 18, 1867. 
Hon. W. S. Dodge, 

Mayor of the city of Sitlca : 
The undersigned voters in said city hereby request that you will call a meeting of 
the legal voters therein, as i)rescribed by section Id of city charter, in order * » * 
to give the council power to establish such a system of public schools as it may see 
fit and proper to adopt. 

[Signed by 49, two of whom made their -f- mark.] 



'76 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

Purchase of school building. 

At a special meeting of the common council, October 27, 1808, among the proposed 
actions for the council was the purchase of a suitable building for the use of the city, 
as a public school, and to which was added the proposition of the Masonic lodge 
about to be organized here to advance one-half the i)urchase money, and, as a consid- 
eration, take a lease of one-half of the building for the term of ninety-nine years. 

This having been discussed and favored by the council, Judge Storer introduced 
resolution No. 87, which was adopted. 

Be it resolved by the council, That the mayor be, and hereby is, empowered to pur- 
■chase for the use of the city, from the Eussian-American Company, the building op- 
posite the club house. No. 56 in the map and inventories attached to the protocol of 
■the treaty of transfer. 

Approved. 

W. S. DODGE. 

Portion of school building leased to a Masonic lodge, 

Eegular Meeting of City Council, November 13, IBOB. 
At the request of Mr. Storer, the mayor submitted his action with regard to the pur- 
chase of a buikliug for city purposes. . * 

The deed for the same (No. 56) was read and approved, and ordered placed among 
the archives of said city. The deed is considered as a voucher for the payment of the 
■consideration money, $300. 

W. S. DODGE, Mayor. 

The back rooms on lower floor and attic were leased foruinetv-niue years to Alaska 
Lodge, F. and A. M., in consideration of $UtO. 
October 27, 1868. 

School trustees. 

Regular Meeting of Common Council, January 21, 1869. 

Mr. Parker introduced resolution 113, which was passed. 

Resolution 113. — Whereas the mayor has informed the common council that the city 
is about to come into possession of the building No. 56, which building was purchased 
for school purposes in December last: Now, therefore, 

(1) Be it resolved, That, under and by virtue of Article V of the amendments to the 
city charter, the council do appoint a board of trustees, consisting of two lawful citi- 
zens and freeholders, whose duty it shall be to make all necessary provisions pertain- 
ing to the fitting up of the said building and the speedy establishment of a public 
school. 

(2) Beit resolved, That said board of trustees shall make due report to the council 
of all things necessary for the successful maintenance of said school, and to make 
such recommendations in all things pertaining to the same as they may deem proper 
for the consideration and action of the council. 

(3) Be it resolved, That the mayor be ex-officio president of the said board of trust- 
ees, and shall preside at the meetings of said board, and shall have kept in a proper 
book a record of its transactions. 

Approved. 

W. S. DODGE, Mayor. 
School trustees appointed. 

At the same meeting (January 21, 1869) Mr. Parker also introduced resolution No. 
114. 

Beit resolved. That Aaron Levy and Patrick Burns be, and are hereby, appointed a 
board of trustees by the council for the public school" about to be established in this 
city. 

Approved. 

W. S. DODGE. 
Appointment of trustees revoked. 

Regular Meeting, March 16, 1869. 

S. C.Parker introduced resolution No. 115, which passed. 

Whereas, The public building in the city of Sitka known as the public school-house 
is finished, and further need of trustees being deemed unnecessary: Therefore, 

Be it resolved in council assembled. That resolutiou No. 114, appointing A. Levy and 
P. Burns trustees of pul)lic schools, is hereby repealed. 

At the same meeting Mr. Storer introduced resolution 117. 

Resolved, That the acting mayor be, and hereby is, empowered to confer with Colonel 
Denuisou relative to the organizatiou and management of the public school. 



o t 



? s 

3- S 








EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 7T 

Joint military and civil control of public school. 

Special Meeting, March 20, 1869. 

Couucil met at 7 p. m., pursuant to a call issued by the actinj; mayor, for the pur- 
pose of takiug into cousideration the best method of managiug the affairs of the pub- 
lic school ill conjuuctiou with the "post couucil of adaiiuistratiou." 

On motion of Mr. Storer resolution No. 119 was carried uuauimously: 

Kesolred, That C. B. Moutague, Aaron Levy, aud Patrick Burns be chosen trustees 
of the public school on behalf of the city for the ensuing year. 

Previous to the passage of this resolution the couucil adopted ordinance No. 36. 

School trustees and their duties. 

[Ordinance No. 36.] 

Be it ordained bi/ the city council of the city of Sitka : 

Sec. 1. That a hoard of three trustees shall be chosen by the city couucil annually 
in the month of March, for the purpose of managing the affairs of the public school in, 
the manner hereinafter prescribed. 

Sec. 2. Said trustees shall, together with such others as may be joined with them 
by the post couucil of administration, select a competent teacher for said school; fix 
the compensation of said teacher; adopt such text books as they may see tit to pre- 
scribe; regulate the laws of instruction; provide fuel aud other necessary articles for 
the use of the school, and have a general supervision of the care of the school-house. 

Sec. 3. Said trustees shall, before. making any expenditure of money for the school 
communicate to the city couucil in writing the amount needed by them, and the pur- 
poses for which such money may be required. They shall not incur any liabilities or 
make any expenditures until the same are approved by the citj' council. 

Sec. 4. The trustees shall make to the city council semi-annual reports of the con- 
dition of the school, together with an account of the recei])ts and expenditures therefor. 

Sec. 5. The trustees chosen by the city couucil shall confer with the post couucil of 
administration in all matters connected with the school. 

Sec. 6. The trustees chosen by the city council shall hold office from the 1st of April 
one year to the 1st of April of another : Provided, hmvever, That the first board elected 
under this ordinance shall serve from the time of their election until the 1st of April 
1870. ' 

Sec. 7. This ordinance shall take effect from and after its passage. 

C. B. MONTAGUE, 
. Acting Mayor. 

Sitka Common Council, April 21, 1869. 

The mayor read the minutes of the meeting cf the board of school trustees of April 
8, 1869. 

Mr. Storer moved that the mayor be empowered to have the w^ater-closet of the pub- 
lic school inclosed. 

Mr. Blake introduced resolution 130. Passed. 

Resolved, That the city purchase for the use of the district school, in the city of Sitka, 
one globe, $6.50 ; one set Wilson's charts, $20 ; one set Cornell's outline maps, with key, 
$20; total, $46, less 20 per cent. 

Bill for school supplies. 

Common Council, July 6, 1869. 
Mr. Storer presented bill for $17.88. Articles purchased for the city school room. 
Same was ordered paid. 

Regular Meeting, September 7, 1869. 
[Resolution No. 168.] 

Resolved, That the mayor be requested to confer with the post commander in rela- 
tion to the public school, especially as to whether or not the post council of adminis- 
tration intends to continue its contributions to the support of said school. 

Approved. • 

WM. SUMNER DODGE, Mayor. 

Special Meeting, September 15, 1869. 
[Resolution No. 171.] 

Resolved, That the mayor be, and is hereby, authorized to settle the bill of H. H. 
Bancroft & Co., for school books and other articles purchased by H. T. Bingham, on 
March 4, 1869. 

Approved. 

' W. S. DODGE, Mayor. 



78 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

Regular Meeting, October 5, 1869. 
Mr. Moutague iutroduced resolution 174. 

Resolved, That from and after the Ist day of October, 1869, the salary of the teacher 
in the public school, in the city of Sitka, shall be $7.5 in coin per mouth. 

WM. SUMNER DODGE, Mayor. 

Regular Meeting, October 19, 1869. 

Mr. Kiukead introduced resolution 180. 

That the bill of P. B. Ryau, for janitor and washing the public school room, amount- 
ing to !f4, and the bill of P. Burns, for a like purpose, amounting to $2, be allowed, 
and the mayor authorized to draw his warrant upon the treasurer for the same. 

Special Meeting, December 28, 18G9. 
Councilman Montague, chairman of the board of school trustees, submitted report 
of board in relation to the present public school teacher. Miss Mercer, appointing her 
as such for a term of 4 months, from the 1st day of January, 1870, at a salary of $75, 
coin, per month. Report accepted and approved, and ordered to be placed on file. 

Regular Meeting, Afarch 8, 1870. 
[Resolution No. 26.] 
Besolved, That the bill of H. Spanier, amounting to |3, for one chair for city school** 
room, be accepted and ordered paid. 

Regular Meeting, April 5, 1870. 

Councilman Montague submitted and read to council report of the board of school 
trustees for the year ending March 31, 1870. Same accepted and ordered placed on 
file. 

Council proceeded to ballot for school trustees for the ensuing year, resulting in 
choice of tihe former trustees, Messrs. C. B. Montague, Aaron Levy, and Patrick 
Burns. 

Special Meeting, Ajml 23, 1870. 

Mayor Storer stated object of the meeting being to hear the report of the board of 
school trustees. Councilman Montague, chairman of the board, read a report of the 
same. Miss Addie Mercer, the present teacher, was further engaged until the arrival 
of the steamer Newbern, after which the services of Mrs. C. B. Montague were en- 
gaged to fulfill the unexpired term of the present incumbent. Report accepted and 
ordered to be placed on file. * 

Regular Meeting, July 5, 1870. 
Councilman Burgman introduced resolution 58. 

Besolved, That the sum of $5.50 be paid to C. B. Montague for items paid for the 
city school, and that an order be given on the city treasurer to pay the same. 

Regular Meeting, September 20, 1870. 

The mayor read a communication from Mr. P. Burns, school trustee, protesting 
against the action of Mr. A. Levy in appointing Mrs. Murphy teacher of the public 
schools. Said protest received and placed on file. 

Mr. Kinkead ofi'ered resolution 59. 

Besolved, That the council proceed to the election of one school trustee in place of 
C. B. Montague, he having removed from town. Election resulted in the selection of 
Mr. John A. Fuller. 

Mr. Fuller offered resolution 62. 

Besolved, That the bill of Kinkead &. Co. for $7 for purchase of curtains, &c., for the 
city be paid, and the mayor is hereby authorized to draw his warrant for the same. 

Mr. Fuller offered resolution 63. 

Besolved, That bill of A. Levy for $9 for erecting a swing for the benefit of the school 
children be paid, and the mayor is hereby authorized to draw his warrant for the 
same. i 

Special Meeting, February 23, 1871. 

Mr. Fuller presented ordinance No. 52. 

Be it ordained by the mayor and common council of the city of Sitka, That the salary of 
the city school teacher shall be $25 per month from and after March 1, 1871. 

On motion of Mr. Kiukead, the clerk was ordered to inform the school trustees of the 
reduction in the teacher's pay, and to post the ordinances adopted at this meeting in 
conspicuous places for the information of the citizens. 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 79 

Special Meeting, August 12, 1871. 
Mr. Kiukead oftered resolution grantiug permission to the Russian bishop to teach 
the Russian language one hour each day in the public school. Adopted. 
[Resolution No. 96.] 
Besolved, That the use of the city school-house be, and hereby is, tendered to the 
Russian subjects for such hours and at such time as will not condict with the city 
school. 

Regulau Meeting, June 20, 1871. 
C. Myer, service in school-house, |3. 

Regular Meeting, January 16, 187->. 
A communication from Mr. A. H. Allen, master of the city school, asking for an in- 
crease of his salary from $25 to l|40 was presented, when Mr. Corcoran presented res- 
olution 105, increasing the school teacher's salary to $35 per mouth from and after this 
16th day of January, which, on motion, was adopted. 

On motion of Mr. Burns, Mess''s. Corcoran, McKuight, and Lieutenant Mitchell 
were appointed a board of school trustees for the ensuing year. 

WM. H. WOOD, Mauor. 

Hall of City Council, January 28, 1673. 
. A communication from George R. McKnight, esq., tendering his resignation as a 
member of the board of trustees of the Sitka public school, was read, and on motion 
his resignation was accepted ; whereupon Henry E. Cutter was elected to till the va- 
cancy. On motion Maj. J. Stewart was elected to till a vacancy in said board of trus- 
tees, occasioned by the departure of Lieutenant Mitchell. 

Hall of City Council, Fciruary 4, 1873. 

A communication from Maj. J. Stewart, thanking the council for the compliment 
paid him in electing him a member of the board of school trustees. 

P. Burns's bill for wood furnished public school at sundry times, amount $2, was or- 
dered paid. 



Appendix K. 

In the district court of the United States for the district of Alaska. 

At a term thereof begun and held at Sitka (May term) on the 5th day of October, 
1885. 

Present, the honorable Edward J. Dawne, judge. The following order was made 
and entered of record, to wit : 

In the United States district court for the district of Alaska. 

The United States ) 

V. > On indictment for obstructing public roads. 



Sheldon Jackson. 



On indictments Nos. 19,20, and 21. 



In the.se causes the indictments are set aside and defendant's bail exonerated upon 
motion of the United States district attorney, made for the reason that the indict- 
ments are neither of them indorsed "A true bill" and such indorsement signed by 
the foreman of the grand jury, as required by sec. 6, ch. vii, page 348, and applied by 
sec. 115, ch. s, page 355, criminal code of Oregon, upon sec. 715, ch. x, page 445, of 
which said indictments are founded, and which omission has been held by the court 
as sufficient ground for dismissal in case No. 18. 

And the district attorney asks to have it spread upon the record that he will not, 
of his own motion, nor, unless required to act upon the complaint of some party who 
shall feel aggrieved by the alleged obstruction, take further action in the premises, 
for the reasons : 

(1) That the code of Oregon, sec. 5, ch. 1, page 461, provides, in express terms, 
that offenses defined in section 715 (under which theseindictments are found) shall be 
subject to the jurisdiction of justices of the peace, whose authority is conferred on 
United States commissioners in this district under section 5 of the organic act. 

(2) That the known and well-defined facts which constitute the alleged offense are 
not such as, in his opinion, would warrant a conviction by a trial jury, the obstruc- 



80 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

tiou in one case being purely technical and not supported by reason for its application, 
and in the others an alteration having been made which comes within the spirit of 
the Oregon law (its letter not beingcapable of being applied f(n' want of county court 
machinery), in that it not only does not " materially increase the distance, to the in- 
jury of the public," but in fact is in all respects "equalto the old for the convenience 
of travelers," and will be, when completed, superior. 

Which re(inest is granted. 

EDWARD J. DAWNE, 

District Judge. 
TiiK United States of America, 

District of Alaska, ss : 

I, A. T. Lewis, clerk of the United States district court for the district of Alaska, 
do hereby certify that the foregoing copy of an order of court, made on the 5th day 
of October, IS-^."), of the May term, Hon. Edward J. Dawue, judge, has been by me 
compared with the original, and that it is a correct transcript therefrom and of the 
whole of such original, as the same appears of record on the journal at my ofHce and 
in my custody. 

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said court, 
at Sitka, in said district, this 5th day of October, 1835. 

[seal.] ANDREW T. lewis, 

Clerk. 



Appendix L. 

STATEMENT OF FACTS IX RELATION TO THE TROUBLES IN THE tITKA IN'DIAN INDUS- 
TRIAL ^JS'D TRAINING SCHOOL AT SITKA, ALASKA, IN 1685, BY PROF. A. J. DAVIS, 
THEN SUPERINTENDENT OF THE TRAINING SCHOOL AT SITKA, ALASKA, NOW CON- 
NECTED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION OF THE STATE OF PENN- 
SYLVANIA. 

On the 11th day of March, 1885, I arrived at Sitka, Alaska, and at once assumed 
charge of the Inclian school as its superintendent. 

The steamer on which I traveled from Portland, Oreg., to Sitka had among its pas- 
sengers an Indian wt)man who took passage at Victoria, B. C. From all that I ob- 
served while on board the steamer, together with what I gathered from conversation 
■with others on the route, I had every reason to believe the woman to be of very doubt- 
ful character. This woman claimed to be a cousin of one of the young girls in the 
training school, and soon after her arrival at Sitka she had issued a writ of habeas 
corpus for the person of the young girl in question. The girl was taken before Hon. 
Ward McAllister, United States district judge. As soon as I heard of the proceeding 
I hastened to the court. This was about 9 o'clock p. m. When I arrived in the court- 
room the evidence for the plaintiff was almost all heard. When I succeeded in gain- 
ing the attention of the court I stated that I was now superintendent of the school 
and desired to be heard, adding that from what I had seen and heard while on board 
the steamer I did not regard the woman as a fit person to whom to conlide a young 
girl. 

The court refused to hear me further, and peremptorily decided that the woman 
could take the girl, w^hich she did accordingly, and left on the steamer early on the 
following morning. Neither time nor opportunity was given me to secure counsel or 
make a defense. Subsequent events did not change my opinion of the character or 
purpose of the woman. 

The effect of the rulings of the court in this and a subsequent case was to cause 
almost one half of the children to run away from the school, and to prejudice the 
natives against placing other children in the institution. The fate of many of the 
larger girls who ran away may be inferred. A letter just received from one of the 
emidoy6s of the school states: 

" One of the Home girls who ran away last summer came up to the house sobbing 
as if her heart would break, and begged us to take her back again. She had lived a 
very wicked life since leaving the Home, so with aching hearts we were compelled to 
refuse her." 

I have many reasons to believe that some of the civil officers at that time in the 
Territory were inimical to th,e school and were responsible for much harm done. 

My connection with the school made me cognizant of much that Hon. Sheldon Jack- 
son did while he had charge of the institution, and while I was in the Territory I 
failed to see any disregard on his part of the lawful rights of parents and citizens. 
His zeal, energy, and thorough devotion to the work are to be commended. He was- 
abused and persecuted by those who should have seconded his efforts, and many acts 
were resorted to in order to hinder his plans. 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 81 

I deem it due to Dr. Jackson that the above facts should be known, and that he 
should be permitted to complete the work he has begun and continued with so much 
efficiency and personal sacrifice. 

A. J. DAVIS. 
St'atk of Pennsylvania, County of Dnuphin, ss : 

On the 6th day of February, A. D. 1886, personally appeared before me, a notary 
public, residing in the said city,* A. J. Davis, who, having been duly affirmed accord- 
ing to law, deposeth that the facts set forth in the foregoing statement are correct to 
the best of his knowledge and belief. 

A. J. DAVIS. 
-Affirmed and subscribed before me the day and year aforesaid. 
[SEAL.] ' "^ J. WESLEY AWL, 

Notary Fublic. 



Appendix M. 



Annual report of training school at Sitka, Alaska, for 1884-'S5. 

Sitka, Alaska, July 1, 1885. 

Sir: I have the honor to send you the following annual report of the Indian in- 
dustrial and training school, Sitka, Alaska, for the year ending June 30, 188.'>: 

As this is the first report to your office from this school, a brief preliminary state- 
ment is in order. 

In the spring of 1876 nine Tsimpsheau Indians came up the coast from Port Simp- 
son, British Columbia, and took a contract for cutting wood for the military post 
then at Fort Wrangell, Alaska. 

At the close of their contract, in the fall, as they were about returning to Port 
Simpson, Clah. who had been the leader among those Indians, was persuaded to 
remain and open a school. Such was the anxiety of the ])eople to learn that his school 
was attended by 60 to 70 adults, -besides children. "These people," said a sailor, 
" are crazy to learn. Going up the beach last night I overheard an Indian girl spell- 
ing words of one and two syllables. Upon looking into the house, I found that, un- 
able to procure a school-book, she was learning from a scrap of newspaper that she 
had picked up." 

Touched by the eagerness of this people to learn, a soldier at the post wrote to 
Major-General Howard, then in command of that military district, asking if some 
society could not be interested to send them a competent teacher. The letter was 
placed in my hands in May, 1877, and immediately published in the Chicago Tribune. 
To gain a better understanding of this movement of the natives for a school, I made 
them a visit in August, 1877. In passing through Portlaud I found a teacher who 
had had large experience in mission work and Indian schools — Mrs. A. R. McFarlaud 
— wliom I took with me. 

Going ashore upon our arrival, August 10, I heard the ringing of the bell for the 
afternoon school, and went directly to the school house. About twenty pupils were 
in attendance, mostly young Indian women. Two or three boys were present; also 
a mother and her three little children. As the women took their seats on the rough 
plank benches each one bowed lier head in silent prayer, .seeking divine helj) in her 
studies. Soon a thoughtful ludiau man of about twenty-five years of age came in 
and took his seat behi'nd the rude desk. The familiar hymn "What a friend we have 
in Jesus" was sung in English; a iirayer followed in the Chinook jargon, which is 
the conmion language of the various tribes on this coast, closing with the repetition, 
in concert, of the Lord's Prayer in English. After lessons were studied and recited, 
the school arose, sung the long-meter doxology, and recited in concert the benedic- 
tion. Then the teacher said, " Good afternoon, my pupils,'" to which came the kindly 
response, " Good afternoon, teacher." , 

The school was in full operation, but under great difficulties. They greatly needed 
maps and charts ; they were also in great need of a school-house. At the time of my 
visit they were renting a dance-hall for a school-room. Upon the return of the miners 
for the winter tlie hall had to be given up, and the school was held in a dilapidated 
log house. I found their stock of books inventoried as follows: four small Bibles, 
four hymn books, three primers, thirteen first readei's, and one wall chart. 

Mrs. McFarlaud was at once placed in charge of the school, with Clah as an assist- 
ant, and Mrs. Sarah Dickinson, a Christian Tongass Indian, as interpreter. Early in 
the history of her school Mrs. McFarlaud found a difficulty in holding her girl pupils. 
According to the customs of their people, they were frequently hired or sold by their 
own mothers to white men and others for base purposes. And the brighter the girl 

* Harriaborg. 

7018 AL G 



82 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

the greater her danger; for, as she improved in the school, she began to dress more 
neatly, comb her hair, and keep her jierson more cleanly ; the dnll, stolid cast of coun- 
tenance gave way to the light of intelligence, and she began to be more attractive, 
and consequently in greater demand. To save these girls necessitated the estab- 
lishment of a "home" into which they could be gathered, and thus taken out from 
under the control of their mothers. Consequently a home was added to the school 
in October, 1878, and kept in what was formerly the hospital building of the mili- 
tary post. 

In July, 1879, I made a second trip to Alaska, taking with me Miss Maggie J. Dun- 
bar, of Steubenville, Ohio, as teacher. Relieved from the care of the school-room, 
Mrs. McFarland was able to give her whole time to the boarding and industrial de- 
partments. 

Duriug that season I commenced the erectiou of a large two-story building, with 
basement and attic, 40 by 60 feet, for the use of the home and school, which was com- 
pleted the following season at an expense of $7,600. 

In March, 1882, the school was divided, Rev. John W. McFarland taking the boys' 
and Miss Dunbar the girls' department. lu Septeijiber, 1882, Miss Kate A. Rankin 
was placed in charge of the industrial department. 

On the 9th of February, 1883, the school buildings were burned to the ground, and 
the school again found shelter in the old military hospital. 

In the summer of 1884 the school teachers and pupils were removed to Sitka. 



In the winter of 1877-'78 I secured the appointment of Rev. John G. Brady for 
Sitka, and in April, 1878, a school was opened by Mr. Brady and Miss Fannie E. Kel- 
logg. In December, through a combination of circumstances, it was discontinued. 
In the spring of 1880 Miss Oliuda Austin was sent out from New York City, and re- 
opened the school April 5, iu one of the rooius of the guard-house, with 103 children 
present. This number increased to 130. Then some of the parents applied for ad- 
mission, but could not be received, as the room would not hold any more. Miss Aus- 
tin received the support and substantial assistance of Captain Beardslee, then in 
command of the United States ship Jamestown, Lieutenant Simonds, and other naval 
officers, who proved themselves warm friends of the enterrrise. In July the school 
was moved to the old hospital building. 

In November some of the boys ai>plied to the teacher for permission to live at the 
school-house. At home there was so much drinking, talking, and carousing that 
they could not study. The teacher said she had no accommodations, bedding, or food 
for them. But they were so much iu earnest that they said they would provide for 
themselves. Upon receiving permission, seven Indian boys, thirteen and fourteen 
years of age, bringing a blanket each and a piece of tin for a looking-glass, voluntarily 
left their homes and took up their abode in a vacant room of one of the G»vernment 
buildings. Thus commenced the boarding department of the Sitka school. Soon 
other boys joined them. One was a boy who had been taken out to be shot as a 
witch, but was rescued by the offlcers of the Jamestown and placed in the school. 
Capt. Henry Glass, who succeeded Captain Beardslee iu command of the Jamestown, 
from the first, with his officers, took a deep interest in the school. As he has had 
opportunity he secured boys from distant tribes and placed them in the school. 

In February, 1881, Captain Glass established a rule compelling the attendance of 
the Indian children upon the day school, which was a move in the right direction and 
has worked admirably. He first caused the Indian village to be cleaned up, ditches 
dug around each house for drainage, and the houses whitewashed. These sanitary 
regulations greatly lessened the sickness and death-rate among them. He then caused 
the houses to be numbered, and an accurate census taken of the inmates — adults and 
children. He then caused a label to be made of tin for each child, which was tied 
around the neck of the child, with his or her number and the number of the house 
on it, so that if a child was found on the street during school hours the Indian police- 
man was under orders to take the numbers on the labels and report them, or the 
teacher each day would report that such numbers from such houses were absent that 
day. The following morning the head Indian of the house to which the absentee 
belonged was summoned to appear and answer for the absence of the child. If the 
child was willfully absent^ the head man was fined or imprisoned. A few cases of fine 
were sufficient. As soon as they found the captain in earnest, the children were all 
in school. 

In April Mr. Alonzo E. Austin was appointed principal of the school and Mrs. Aus- 
tin was appointed matron. 

On the 24th of January, 1882, the old Russian log hospital building that sheltered 
theschool was burned, and the pupils were placedin anabandoued Government stable, 
which was roughly fitted iip for them. 



w 5 



^ r 



!z; r 




EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 



83 



In the Slimmer of that yeai, Tiy tlio advice of the naval commander, the collector of 
customs, and a few of the leading citizens, I selected a tiact of land outside the village 
as a permanent location for the school, and erected "Austin -Hall," a large, two-story 
building, 100 by 50 feet in size. Mr. Walter B. Styles was placed in charge of the in- 
dustrial department. 

NKW BUILDINGS, ETC. 

During the fall and winter of 18ir4 the following buildings were erected: Central 
Hall, a two-story fiame building, 1:30 by 50 feet in size; this building contains school 
rooms, dining hall and kitchens both for school and teachers' mess, sewing rooms, 
girls' dormitory, teachers' r«A)ms, &c.; it was occupied January 1, 18b5. A laundry, 
one aud one- half story, 20 by 'Uli U et ; a bakery, ( ne and one-half story, 14 by 25 feet ; 
and a wagon-shed, 30 by 10 feet. 

Iron pipes have been laid lor half a mile from the buildings to Indian Kiver, fur- 
nishing the institution with an abundant supply of pure soft water. 

EMPLOYES. 

Sheldon Jackson (July, 1884, to March, 1885), superintendent. 

A. J. Davis (March to June), sui)eriutendent. 

William A. Kelly (June), superintendent. 

Eev. Alonzo E. Austin, assistant superintendent and chaplain. 

Johu Walker (Indian, July to March), industrial teacher. 

Thomas Heaton (March to June), industrial teacher. 

Mrs. A. E. Austin, matron boys' department. 

Mrs. A. R. McFarland, matron girls' department. 

Miss Kate A. Rankin, sewing department. 

Miss Margaret Dauphin, laundry and kitchen. 

Miss R. A. Kelsey, school-room. 

W. D. McLeod, machinist. 

M. Cragiu, watchman and assistant. 

David Jackson (native), boot and shoe department. 

Sergeant Myers, U. S. N., volunteer drill master. 

There have been in connection with the school during the year 47 boys and 90 girls, 
making a totaV attendance of 137. 

The average age of the boys has been 14 years and of the girls 10^. 

There have been one marriage and three deaths. One of the girls married the inter- 
preter of the Takoo Mission. A boy and a girl have died of consumption and a girl of 
pneumonia. This was the first death in the boys' depaitment during the five years' 
history of the school. 

The several tribes are represented as follows : 



Tribe. 


Boys. 


Girls. 


Total. 




22 

16 

3 

1 

4 


12 

10 

10 

1 

3 

3 

30 

6 

5 

3 

1 

3 

1 

2 


34 


Kaksahtes of Sitka 


26 




13 




2 




7 


Yakatat 


3 






30 


Chilkat 


1 


7 


Takoo 


5 






3 






1 


Stick 




3 


Hydah 


1 




2 








Total 


47 


90 


137 







On account of causes hereafter mentioned the school closes the year with only 26 
boys and 33 girls. Total present attendance, {)<). All the pupils are required to be 
in the school-room half the day and the work-rooms the other half. 



In the school-rooms they pursue the studies usual to the primary aud intermediate 
grades, aud are making fair progress when it is considered that their studies are in. 



84 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

to them, a forei'j;n language. An analogous position would be to attempt to instruct 
the children of New York or Massachusetts in arithmetic, geography, grammar, &c., 
through the medium of Chinese teachers and text-books. Without any legal power 
on the i)art of the teachers or public sentiment atnong the parents, to hold the chil- 
dren, and with the direct or indirect opjiositiou of several of the Government officials, 
it has been very difficult to exercise the authority necessary to secure the best results 
in speaking English. 

INDUSTRIAL. 

All the mauual labor of the institution is performed by the children themselves un- 
der the supervision and instruction of the teachers. There is not a hired servant 
about the establishment. The older and more advanced girls in charge of the divi- 
sions and of the teachers' kitcheu are paid a small compensation ; also the older boys 
in the carpenter shop. 

THE GIRLS. 

The girls are divided into three classes and serve in rotation iu each of the three 
divisions. 

(1) Kitchen a»d diniiu/ department. — Much of the time and strength of this depart- 
ment is taken up in the necessary work of providing the daily meals. More and more 
attention will, however, be given to training the pupils in the best method of cooking 
meats, fish, and vegetables, the preparation of corned, smoked, and pickled meats 
and fish; the drying and preserving of berries ; the care of winter vegetables ; making 
yeast and l)aking bread; the care of milk; butter and cheese making; the proper 
washing of dishes and care of kitchen utensils, and the care of store-room and pantry ; 
also the setting, waiting vipou, and clearing off of tables ; the care of knives, forks, 
spoons, &c. 

(2) The dormitort/ and sewing department. — In the dormitory, halls, &c., the girls 
attend to the sweeping and scrubbing of floors, dusting, and orderly arrangement of 
furniture; making of beds; care of slops; simple adornment of walls; cleaning and 
care of lamps; care of clothes, closets, bedding, &c. As they have nothing of this 
in their native homes it is a long step forwai'd in their civilization. In the sewing 
department they are taught the usual cuttiut:' aud making of clothes ; the changing, 
mending, aud patching of garments ; knitting and darning ; practice with the sewing 
machine, &c. They are fond of aud excel iu sewing aud knitting, aud it is doubtful 
whether any equal number of white girls gathered promiscuously into a school would 
do as well. 

(3) The laundri/ department. — In addition to the usual weekly washing and ironing 
of the clothes, bedding, &c., of the pupils, special instruction will be given in the 
manufacture of lye from wood ashes, of soft-soap and starch. 

THE BOYS. 

The boys in a general way are divided into two classes for work. The smaller ones 
cut and carry in the fire-wood, keep the grounds cleaned up, and do the chores gen- 
erally. The larger ones cut and raft the logs for fire-wood, draw the seine wheu fish- 
ing, and work in the carpenter-shop. j\Iuch of the work of the past year, of extract- 
ing stum))s, grading and ditching land, rafting logs aud lumber, procuring and carry- 
ing rock for foundations and lumber for the buildings from the beach (there are uo 
horses or oxen here) has been done by tlie boys of the school. They also did much of 
the work of erecting the main central building of the institution — a house two and 
a half stories high, 130 feet long, and .^)0 feet wide. This was done under the super- 
vision of the head or " boss" carpenter, John Walker, himself a full-blooded Indian, 
educated at the Forest Grove Indian School. 

Having no roads or appliances for getting logs out of the woods, the custom of the 
country is to find a suitable tree so near the ocean shore that, when cut, it will fall 
into the water. The logs are lashed together, and when the tide is in the right direction 
froated to their destination. The available trees near to Sitka having been cut oft", 
the schoolboys are compelled to go from 8 to 12 miles away for their annual supply 
of fire-wood.' This adds greatly to the ftitigue aud dauger of the work. Our boats 
have been driveu ashore, aud occasionally a raft scattered by a storm, but so far no 
lives have been lost, and the boys have gained practice in seamanship. 

FISHERIES, ETC. 

A seine has been provided and the boys have packed thirty-four barrels of choice 
salmon for the use of the school. As fish is one of the chief commercial commodi- 



• EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 85 

ties of the country, and one which will furnish the natives with an ample and relia- 
ble means of support, special attention will be given to it. The boys will be instructed 
in the names, habits, and commercial value of the Nariouskiuds of fish in their waters ; 
improved methods of taking and preparing tln'oi for market : the making and mend- 
ing of nets; the managenient and repair of boats; rope-sjdicitig and sail-making; 
swimming; naval drill ; together with instruction concerning the tides and the use 
of the compass. 

CAItPEXTER SHOP. 

The erection of buildings for the institution during the i)ast year has given a special 
impetus to wood work. The native races on this coast are noted for their skill in the 
manufacture of canoes, and carving in wood, stone, and metals, so that the boys very 
readily and (juickly become skillful in the use of tools. As an encouragement to the 
boys, the scho(d has very properly been given the contract of making the school fur- 
nituie for all the Government schools in Alaska. During the coming year some atten- 
tion will be given to the manufacture of household furniture. It is also hoped that 
a cooper-shoj) may be opened to provide barrels and casks for the salting of hsh. 

AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT. 

An injunction having been served on the officers of the school, through the malice 
ol United States District Attorney IJaskett and Judge McAllister, preventing work 
on the school property at the time the vegetable garden should have been planted, 
but little has been raised this season. In previous seasons the school garden has been 
the mcst flourishing one in the place. Since the dissolving of the injunction by the 
court, considerable has been done in removing stun^ps, and grading antl ditching land. 
It would be well if the Government would set apart a special sum for carrying on, 
in connection with the school, of an 

EXPERIMENTAL FARM. 

There is a wide diversity of views concerning the agricultural and horticultural 
capabilities of this region, and necessarily great ignorance. The early Russian set- 
tlers were here for furs, and the more recent Americans for trading and mining. No 
systematic eftbrt intelligently prosecuted has been made to ascertain what can or 
cannot be raised to advantage. The industrial and training school of this distant 
and but little known section of the United States furnishes a basis for a department 
that shall make careful experiments extending over a term of years to ascertain the 
vegetables, grains, grasses, berries, and small fruits, apples and larger fruits, trees, 
flowers, &c., best adapted to the country: the best methods of cultivating, gather- 
ing, and curing the same; tree planting, and grafting of fruit trees; the develop- 
ment of the wild cranberry; cattle, hog, and poultry raising; and butter and cheese 
making. If the Government will determine what can be done in this direction, both 
settlers and the natives will utilize the information gained. Such a course will add 
both to the wealth of the country and the comfort of the people. 

BOOT AND SHOE SHOP. 

No systematic training has yet been given in this important department, although 
considerable has been done in the way of repairing shoes. More and more prominence 
will be given this department as the work develops. 

HOSPITAL DEPARTMENT. 

As the work of the school becomes more systematized, special instruction will be 
given both sexes in phjsiology, the laws of health, common sanitary regulations, 
simple remedies, treatment of accidents (particularly cuts and gunshot wounds), 
treatment of persons rescned from drowning; cooking for, waiting upon, and nursing 
the sick. 

OFFICIAL INTERFERENCE AND THE RESULTS. 

The native races upon this coast are a docile people and easily influenced by those 
in authority. 

While the country was under naval rule Captains Glass, Beardslee, Lull, and others 
gave their in fluence in favor of the school, and the school room was crowded with 
pupils. 



86 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. • 

III the fall of 18S4 the naval rule was superseded by that of the civil government. 

As the securing of the civil goveruiueut was largely dueto the friends of the school 
(Report of Coniinissiouer of Education for 1832-'8:}'), they had a right to expect 
the friendly co-operation of tlie new officials. Further, the native races compose 
lifteeu-sixteeuths of the population to be cared for, and have a claim upon the 
attention of the officers. Still further, Congress had voted an appropriation for the 
education of these people, and the most important services the officers could render 
the Government and the country was to throw their whole official influence in favor 
of the education of the native races up to American citizenship. Had tliey done this 
— had they followed the example of the naval commanders that had preceded them, 
and made the natives feel that the officers really desired the regular attendance of 
the children at school — all of the native schools would have continued to make prog- 
ress and pi'oduce results satisfactory to the Government. 

But, very strangely and unexpectedly Governor Kinkead (the few weeks he spent 
in Alaska of the year he was governor). United States Judge Ward McAllister, jr., 
United States Marshal Hillyer, and Deputy Marshal Sullivan, directly or indirectly 
threw their influence against the schools, and the native parents soon learned that 
the officers did not care whether they sent their children to school or not. The most 
open opposition, however, came from United States District Attorney E. W. Haskett. 

Secretly pushed forward by others, as it is believed, he sought to disturb the school 
in the occupancy of the laud upon which are situated the school buildings and im- 
provements. 

Following the precedent made in the orgauization of the Territorj' of Oregon, and 
afterwards that of Washington, Congress in the organic act providing a civil govern- 
ment for Alaska euacted as follows: 

And provided also. That the laud, not exceeding 640 acres, at any station now occu- 
pied as missionary stations among the Indian tribes in said section, with the im- 
provements thereon erected by or for such societies, shall be continued in the occu- 
pancy of the several religious societies to which said missionary stations respectively 
belong until action by Congress. 

Mr. Haskett, working upon the race prejudice of the Russian Creoles, made them 
believe that the Government was giving to the Indians lauds that their children 
■would some day need. This resulted in two or three so-called "citizens' meetings," 
mainly composed of Creoles, at which resolutions were adopted and sent to Washing- 
ton protesting against the industrial school being allowed the use of the land re- 
served by Congress for it. At these meetings the United States district attorney was 
the chief speaker, and in his incendiary harangues assured them that the school had 
no right to the laud where its buildings are, and that if any Russian wanted any of 
the laud claimed by the school all he had to do was to go and occupy it. As a con- 
sequence oue of the simple-minded Creoles vsrent into the front yard of the school, 
staked out the corners of a house, and commenced getting out the foundations. Sev- 
eral others were preparing to do the same thing. 

This necessitated the immediate construction of a fence in front of the school 
grounds. Upon the setting of the posts, Mr. Haskett encouraged the Creoles to make 
a complaint that the school was obstructing a jjublic highway, because the fence was 
not 30 feet from the center of a road used as a public highway, but which has no 
legal status as such. The fence was the same distance from the road as every other 
fence on it, and was built in uniformity with them. Through misrepresentations to 
the court an injunction was secured against all the officers and employes of the 
school forbidding the completion of the fence, the clearing out of underbrush and 
grading of the land, construction of walks, or even any work upou the school build- 
ings themselves. 

At the May term of court the injunction was dissolved, on a demurrer to the peti- 
tion, on the ground that the complainants were not adjoining property holders and 
had no legal right to complain. 

The same result would have been reached if the case had been tried on its merits, 
us all the allegations iu the complaint were untrue. 

Upon the acqusitiou of Alaska in 1867, a company of United States troops was sta- . 
tioned at Sitka. In procuring their fuel they first cut the trees accessible from the 
beach. When those nearest to the beach were gone, they naturally cut those adjoin- 
ing, all the time penetrating farther into the woods, and farther from the beach. 
After the first rise of ground at the beach the land is swampy, and iu order to get 
out the firewood the troops made a temporary corduroy road. The farther they 
penetrated the forest for wood the longer the road grew, until, when the troops were 
withdrawn iu 1877, it was nearly half a mile long. After the departure of the sol- 
diers the road was practically abandoned. It commences on the beach and abruptly 
terminates in the woods. Its commencement, ending, and whole course is on the 
laud reserved by Congress for the school. 



* See Appendix A. 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 87 

In order to inclose the school bnildings and secnre better discipline, the snperin- 
tendent of the schools needed to fence across this former wood road. This he had a legal 
right to do, but be refrained from doing so until the school constructed a better I'oad 
at the side of the school grounds to take the place of the former wood road through 
them. The new road is better and more convenient to the villiige than the old one, 
and when extended will make a straight street from the beach to the cemetery. (.See 
the record of the court on the change of roads, page 79.) The cemetery has no road 
to it, but is reached by a trail through a swamp from tin; wood road. 

Any other community would cordially acquiesce in this change, better both for the 
school and the general public, but here, through the feeling created by District Attor- 
ney Haskett, the change is met with the threat of mob violence. 

The culmination of these difficulties occurred in March last. 

Upon the 11th of March the United States monthly mail steamer arrived, bringing 
an Indian woman of questionable character, w^ho claimed possession of one of the 
girls in the school. The girl is a half-breed, about twelve to fourteen years of age, 
and an orphan. . She is a good English scholar and quite attractive in her personal 
appearance. The woman claimed to be a relative (I believe a cousin). She had no 
papers of guardianship or any proof to support her claim; nor was she the guardian 
of the girl even according to Indian customs. The white father had left his illegit- 
imate child and her mother. The mother died. On her dying bed, as I was informed 
and believe, she gave the child to Mrs. A. R. McFarland, superintendent of the Girls' 
School and Home at Fort Wrangeli, to bring up in that school. And after the death 
of the mother the child was taken from her mother's house to Mrs. McFarland's. If 
any one was entitled to be considered the legal guardian of the child, in a country 
where, at the time, there was no law applicable to such a case, it was Mrs. McFar- 
land. The officers of the school very properly refused to let the child go. The woman 
then, at the instigation and with the assistance of some evil-disposed white men, 
took out a writ of habeas corpus. A special term of court was held at 8 o'clock in 
the evening. The officers of the school were refused a hearing,* and the girl was 
given into the cu.stody of the woman. 

Last winter an Indian sorcerer and his wife brought their daughter, about twelve 
years of age, and placed her in the school for five years. A short time afterwards, 
having an opportunity of selling her to some visiting Indians, they came and asked 
to lake her out of the' school. This was refused by the superintendent. They then 
oifered to send her brother in her place. The superintendent replied that he would 
take the boy if they wished, but would retain the girl. They then offered him $10 in 
money if he would let the girl go. Failing to procure her, they hired two Indians to 
steal her. These men were concealed in the woods near by, a week before they were 
discovered and captured. Whilw these events were transpiring the first girl had been 
taken from the school on a writ of habeas corpus. Encouraged by this, the same white 
men as in the first ca.se assisted the sorcerer in securing a writ, and the girl was pro- 
duced in court. Upon this occasion the judge ruled — 

(1) That the verbal contract of the Indian parents in placing their child in .school 
was not binding. 

(2) That as a white man cannot ii^ake a contract with an Indian a written contract 
would be illegal. 

{'^) That if the officers of the school attempted to restrain the children from run- 
ning away or leaviug whenever they wished, they would be liable to fine and impris- 
onment. 

Judge Dawne, who succeeded Mr. McAllister as U. S. judge of Alaska, upon open- 
ing his court took an early opportunity of reversing these decisions, and decided that 
the natives of Southeast Alaska were'not Indians; that they could make contracts, 
sue and be sued, and do whatever any one else could do before the law. 

The decisions of Judge McAllister left the officers powerless to maintain discipline. 
If a child failed in his les.sous, quarreled with his .schoolmates, neglected his work, 
or transgressed the rules of the school, and any attempt was made to correct him, in 
a fit of anger or sulkiuess he could leave the .school. The court had thrown the doors 
wide open, and evil-disposed men took special pains to inform the natives and encour- 
age them to remove their children from the school. 

To add to the difficulties of the situation, about that time one of the school girls 
died of pneumonia. She had careful unrsingand every needed attention, even to the 
medical attendance of the surgeon on the United States man-of-war, the Pinta. After 
the burial some one started the story that the matron had bewitched the girl and 
cau.sed her death. Soon there was an excited mob at the school clamoring; to take 
their children home for fear the matron would kill them also. If the civil officers 
had then used their influence with the Indians to quiet the excitement and keep the 
children in school, they would have succeeded, and both parents and children would 
have been thankful after it was all over. On the contrary, the marshal, the inter- 



' See testimony of A. J. Davis, Appendix L. 



88 EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 

preter, and especially tlie United States district attorney, helped tlie matter along, 
80 that, through their influence and the superstitious fear of the Indians, in a few 
days forty-seven children were taken out of school and remanded back to the filth, 
superstition, degradation, and vice of their native condition. 

Among those removed from the school was a girl seventeen years of age who had 
been sold into prostitution by her own mother. In some way she had escaped and 
found both an asylum and a home in the school, but now she was turned loose to 
destruction. 

Another girl, of fifteen, and her sister ten years of age had been picked up on the 
beach at a mining camp. They were without friends or home, almost without cloth- 
ing, and in a starving condition. Through neglect and cruel treatment, the younger 
one was almost blind. These orphan sisters were taken into the school, fed, clothed, 
and kindly cared for. Medical attendance was provided and the blind one-restored 
to sight. The sisters were making fair progress when the break came and they were 
taken in charge by an aunt. The elder one was sent into prostitution, and the aunt 
is living ott" the wages of the child's shame. The younger one, in a few days, escaped 
from her relatives and returned to the school. When her aunt came for her she clung 
to one of the lady teachers and had to be taken away by force. Again she returned 
to the school and again was torn away. She returned the third time. It seemed so 
inhnman and outrageous to force the poor child into a life that she was making such 
desperate efforts to escape that the officers of the school refused to let her relatives 
have her, preferring that, if she must be taken away, the responsibility should rest 
upon the court. 

Another girl, of fourteen, when about to be sold into prostitution for the benefit of 
a distant relative, escaped from her grandmother, who was guarding her, and came 
to the school. As a result of the decision of the court, she, too, was remanded back 
to the care of her heathen relatives, and has been lost to a virtuous life. 

Another, a girl of about seventeen, was being sold into prostitution by her step- 
mother and aunt. The two women, quarreling over the division of the blood money, 
came to settle the dispute before Mr. A. T. Lewis, clerk of the court. Mr. Lewis, 
whose influeuce is on the side of humanity and the school, took the girl from her un- 
natural protectors, and placed her in the school. She, too, has gone back to her 
former abode of cruelty. 

Some three years ago, a little girl was accused of witchcraft. The tribe bound her 
■with a rope. A stalwart chief, holding one end of the rope, walked in advance, drag- 
ging the child after him, while another came behind holding the other end of the 
rope. These men were the admiration of the tribe for their bravery in holding be- 
tween them a puny, starved girl of ten. She was rescued by Professor Austin, who 
was in charge of the school, and given a home. During the troubles she was returned 
to the tribe, and may yet be tortured to death as a witch. 

Another was the slave of a prominent chief. After his death his two widows 
treated her so cruelly that she ran away, and was found hid under the church. She 
was taken into the school and furnished protection and a home. A man that married 
one of the widows claimed her as his property, and tried to get possession of her, but 
in vain. But now that the school is powerless to protect the orphan, the escaped 
slave, and the helpless child, she has gone out from under its care, and her future re- 
mains to be seen. 

Another, to prevent being married to her stepfather and becoming a plural wife 
with her own mother, ran away and came to the school. P\)r a long time she did not 
dare visit her mother, and when at length she ventured to visit home, they locked 
her up in a room to keep her. After some days she again escaped and returned to the 
school. Now under the hostile influences that surrounded the school, she has been 
led away, and is living a life of sin in a mining camp. 

And thus also among the boys. 

One had been sold as a slave twice before he was brought to the school. Another 
had been shot as a slave and a bullet sent crushing through his shoulder. Another 
had been tied up as a witch and kept four days without food, when he was rescued. 
Another when born was about to be killed })y his parents to save the trouble of taking 
care of him. A neighboring woman took pity on the babe and removed him to her 
own house. When the school commenced he was placed in it. Many others had 
come under the protection of the school through trials and dangers. They were 
making good progress in books and industrial pursuits, and advancing in the ways of 
civilization. The older ones were looking forward to the erection of American homes 
for themselves, Avhen the break came and the work was greatly set back. 

Thus an institution, established at great expense, supported in part by an annual 
appropriation of Congress and equipped to do a good work, is criiipled, and the pur- 
pose of the Government to civilize the natives is hindered by the opposition of the 
officers previously named. 

For seven years earnest men and women, exiled from friends and society in this 
far-off laud, amid many hardships and privations, have toiled to overcome the preju- 



EDUCATION IN ALASKA. 89 

dices of the natives and secure their children, that by means of an industrial educa- 
tion they may be lifted out of the degradation of their fathers into respectable citi- 
zenshiii. And now to see it possible for Uuited States officials and others in one 
month to take forty-seven children out of an industrial school strougly emphasizes 
the need of such legislation by Congress that schools supported iu whole or in part 
by the Government shall be protected from the malice of evil-disposed white men on 
the one hand, and the whims of degraded ignorant parents on the other. 

There is a great and growing work to be done by this institution, but in order to 
secure the best results it is necessary to have some law by which the children can be 
legally held for a sufficient number of years to form civilized habits of thought, work, 
and life. 

Trusting that your office will prepare and present to Congress the needed legisla- 
tion, 

I remain, with great respect, yours truly, 

SHELDON JACKSON, 
United Slates General Agent of Education in Alaska. 

The CoMMissioxER OF Indian Affairs. 



Sketch Map of 
SOUTH EAST ALASKA 

I Futjnislied "by the U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey 




SEx,8t^ 49 1 



INDEX. 



Page. 

Abaknakik 58 

Afognak 14 

Akiagauiute 64 

Alaska Comiuercial Coinpauy's stations 55 

Alexander, Fort 57 

Alexander Archipelago 6 

Aleuts, character of 14 

Aleutian district 9 

Apokachamute 61 

Area of Alaska 5 

Attu 5, 15 

Auke tribe... 17 

Aurora borealis 7 

Aziavigamute 72 

Belkoffski 16 

Bethel 29 

Borka 16 

Bristol Bay, population in 13 

Bureau of Education, in charge of Alaska schools 42 

Burial customs of Eskimo 60,69 

Canoes, birch-bark 64 

Cape Constantine 57 

Cape Neweuham 59 

Cape Pierce 59 

Cape Prince of Wales 12 

Children removed from school by writ of habeas corpus 87 

Chilkat tribe 17 

Chlugachmute 68 

Climate 8 

Davis, Prof. A. J., sworn statement of, concerning official Interference witk 

the schools 80 

Diomede Islands 12 

Dogs, Eskimo 58, 66 

Education, general agent 43 

Education, establishment of public schools 22 

Education fund, how secured 38 

Education by Russians 14, 15, 19, 20 

Education by Presbyterians 17, 18, 21, 81 

Education by Alaska Commercial Company 45 

Education by others 20,75 

Eskimo, or Innuit 11 

Eskimo beliefs 60 

Eskimo burials 60,69 

Eskimo diet 61,68 

Eskimo fishing 62 

Eskimo marriage 61, 63 

Fort Alexander 57 

Fort Reliance 54 

Fort Wrangell 18,26,30,81 

Fort Yukon 53 

General agent of Education in Alaska 23, 43 

General agent, indorsement by National Educational Society of 44 

General agent, transportation of 32 

Geueral agent, imprisonment of 24 

Gilchgik 73 

Glaciers 7 

91 



92 INDEX. 

Page. 

Good News Bay 58 

Government for Alaska 39 

Greek Chnrfh services 59 

Habeas corpus, writ of, for removal of children from school 87 

Hagemeister Island 59 

Haines mission school 17 

Haines public school 26, 36 

Hanegah tribe 19 

Hartmann, Rev. J. A., explorations of 29,55 

Hoochinoo tribe 18 

Hoonah tril)e 17 

Hoonah schools 17, 26, 37 

Hydah 18 

Igagik 59 

Ikaliulkhagamute 73 

Intoxication on the Kuskokwim unknown 69, 73 

Ingerachtshuk 73 

Inghakfuk 73 

lookhlagamnte 64 

Islands 6 

lulukiak 64 

Jackson mission school 18 

Jackson public school 27, 36 

Juneau public school 25, 35 

Katliak Island 6 

Kadia k population 13 

Kadiak school 14, 27 

Kake tribe 18 

Kalkhagamute 64 

Kamleika, or rain coat 67 

Karluk 14 

Katmai 14 

Kikchtachpit 74 

Kikkhlagauiute 64 

Killisnoo school 27 

King's Island 13 

Kisianmnte 72 

Kivigalogamute 64 

Kolmakovsky 61,65,66 

Kotzebtie Sound 12 

Kulluk Bay 74 

Kuskokwagamute 61 

Kuskokwim River 58,59,61 

Kiiskokwim River population 13 

Kuskokwim River school (Bethel) 29 

Lomavigamute 68 

Makalkah 71 

Mosquitoes 54, 61, 62, 66, 76, 71 

Mountains 6 

Mumtriichagamute 70 

Mumtrekhlagaraute 62 

Naghaikhlavigamute 68 

Napahaiagamute 62, 68 

Napaimute 66 

Napaskiachamute 68 

Napaskiagamnte 62 

National aid in Alaska 34 

National Educational Association, resolution of 44 

Nazan 15 

Nikolski 15 

Nuklukahyet 55 

Nunaliiguk 73 

Nuuivak 57 

Nunivriak 73 

Nushagak .57, 58 

Nushagak River 57 

Nushagak, contract for school at 29 

Official interference with schools 24,79,85 

Ogavigamute 64 



INDEX. 93 

Page. 

Old Harbor 14 

Ookhogamute t>5 

Orlova 14 

Point Barrow 12 

Popnlat iou 10 

Xatiouality of, not Indian 10 

On Arctic region 11 

On Bristol Bay 13 

On Cape Prince of Wales 12 

Ou Kotzebue Sonnd 12 

On Kuskokwim River 13,61 

On Norton Sonnd 13 

On Nusliagak River 58 

On Yukon River 13 

Porcnpiue River 53, 55 

Portland f'O 

Port Simpson Bl 

Pribilotf Islands 30 

Quincliacbamute 69 

Ramparts of the Yukon 55 

Reliance, Fort 54 

Religious bodies, co-operation with 34 

Rivers 7 

Saint Elias Mountain 7 

Saint George Island 15, 45 

Saint Lawrence Island 13 

Saint Michael 13 

Saint Michael school 29 

Saint Paul Island 15,45 

Salmon 57, 58, 62 

Schools : 

Appointment of general agent 23, 43 

At ^nke " 17 

At Taku 17 

Attendance, summary of 37 

BuUdiugs 32 

Bureau of Education in charge of r - 42 

Early American, at Sitka 20,75 

Establ ishment of public 22 

Fund for, how secured 38 

Industrial training 30 

Moral training 31 

Obligatory attendance 31 

Official interference with 24,79,85 

Public, at Bethel 29,37 

Public, at Fort Wraugell 26, 36 

Public, at Haines 26, 36 

Public, at Hoonah 26,37 

Public, at Jackson 27, 36 

Public, at Juneau 25,35 

Public, at Killisnoo 27 

Pnblic, at Nnshagak River 29 

Public, at Saint Michael 29 

Public, at Sitka 25,36 

Public, at Unalashka ■- 28, 37 

Russian, at Kadiak 14 

Russian, at Sitka 19 

Russian, at Spruce Island 14 

Russian, at Unalashka 15 

Seal Islands 45 

Sitka trainiug, annual report 81 

Swineford, extract from Governor's report 44 

Seal Islands 15, 45 

Shipwreck of teacher 27 

Shishaldin Volcauo 6 

Shuiuagiu Islands 6 

Sims, Rev. V. E., exploration of, ou Upper Yukon 53 

Sitka citizens' school 20, 75 

Sitka mission school 21, 30 



94 INDEX. 



Sitka ))ublic schools 25, 36,37 

Sitka Kussiau schools 20 

Sitka tribe 19 

Sprinjjs 7 

Spruce Island 14 

Stikiiie tribe 18 

Sunset o8,60 

Supplies for a canoe trip 68 

Taku school 17 

Taku tribe 17 

Tauana River 55 

Tattoo marks 59, 61 

Teachers, character of 33 

Teachers' institute 33 

Temperature 8 

Thlin<i;et people 17 

Tinneh ])eople 16 

Togiak Bay 57, 59 

Togiak River 57,73 

Togiakaniiite 59 

Tougass tribe 18 

Torgersen , Hans, drowning of 29 

Transportation of general agent 32 

Transportation of school supplies 33 

Ugavik 64,67 

Unalashka l5, 56 

Unalashka public school 28, 37 

Uuga 16 

Unimak Island 57 

Venizali 66 

Volcanoes 6 

Walrus Islands 59 

Weiuland, Rev. William H 29,55 

Women well treated on Kuskokwim River 73 

Wood Island 14 

Wraugell, Fort 18,26,30,81 

Yukon district 9 

Yukon, Fort •'>3 

Yukon River 7,28,53 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Paga 

Typical Eskimo man 11 

King's Island cave dwellings 13 

Saint Paul Village 15 

Hydah house and totem pole 18 

An Alaskan cailon 18 

Sitka 22 

School-house at Haines 25 

School-house at Sitka 25 

Unalashka 28 

Saint Michael 29 

Group of Eskimo boys and girls, uncivilized 34 

Eev. J. A. Hartmann 55 

Eskimo family, uncivilized 62 

Eskimo family, civilized 62 

Eskimo burial monuments 64 

Drying fish 64 

Traveling with bidarka 68 

Eskimo village 68 

Sitka Bay 76 

Sitka training-school 82 

Map of Alaska 89 

Map of Southeastern Alaska 89 

95 

o 



